GLACIER Tax Prep Available

Tax season is well underway and the International Student and Scholar Services is here to help! The International Office is offering tax filing assistance for students and scholars who are classified as “nonresident aliens for tax purposes” via GLACIER Tax Prep.

Filing your U.S. tax documents is now easier than ever with the GLACIER Tax Prep software for nonresident aliens, purchased for international students and scholars by the International Office. GLACIER Tax Prep guides users through a series of questions that automatically prepare a US tax return based on the answers. The GLACIER Tax Prep software requires an access code in order to activate the software, which is available online here. Please visit our tax website for more detailed information and instructions.

 

Who Must File?

All nonresident aliens for tax purposes who were present in the U.S. in 2017 (including spouses and dependents) must file Form 8843, even if they did not earn any income from the U.S. in 2017.  GLACIER Tax Prep will automatically complete Form 8843 and other applicable forms for all nonresident aliens.

Students, scholars, and dependents who are nonresident aliens for tax purposes and earned income from the U.S. in 2017, which includes wages, scholarships, etc., MUST file Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ in addition to Form 8843.

 

What is Needed to File?

You will need your income documents for 2017, which may include Form W-2, Form 1042-S, and any other income documents you may have received.

The Form W-2 will be distributed to those who were paid wages as a part of their employment. If you had multiple employers in 2017, then you will receive a separate Form W-2 from each employer. Those who worked for UT in 2017 can receive their Form W-2 online.

The Form 1042-S will be distributed to those who have claimed tax treaty benefits or had a scholarship/fellowship payments in 2016. UT’s Payroll Services has mailed the Forms 1042-S as of 2/21/18. Email 1042s@austin.utexas.edu or taxadvisor@austin.utexas.edu to obtain another copy of your Form 1042-S if you were due a Form 1042-S and have yet to receive it.

You will receive income forms only for the income types you received in 2017. For example, if you did not receive a scholarship in 2017, then you will not receive Form 1042-S. If you did not have a job with wages in 2017, then you will not receive Form W-2, etc. Please make sure you have all your 2017 income documents before starting GTP to avoid filing your taxes incorrectly.

 

Nonresident and Resident Alien for Tax Purposes
GLACIER Tax Prep can only assist those who are considered a “nonresident alien for tax purposes.” GLACIER Tax Prep can assist in determining whether you are a nonresident alien for tax purposes or a resident alien for tax purposes. Please note that the tax designation “nonresident alien for tax purposes” is separate from your immigration status.

The International Office cannot assist students or scholars who are classified as resident aliens for tax purposes. If you are a resident alien for tax purposes, please consult the International Office tax website for information on outside resources for assistance with filing your taxes.

 

Tax Appointments

If you have already completed your tax return through Glacier Tax Prep and would like to have it reviewed, or if you have a question that is preventing you from completing your return, you can make a tax appointment online. Be sure to note which documents to bring so that your return can be properly reviewed.

Tax Lab

The International Office will also be hosting Tax Lab on Wednesday afternoons from 10 AM to 12 PM beginning February 22^nd in FAC 327 through April 11^th.

Tax Lab will be an opportunity for international students and scholars to complete their tax returns using GLACIER Tax Prep with a volunteer available for any questions that may arise during the tax filing process. No appointment is necessary to attend Tax Lab!

 

All tax returns must be postmarked by April 17, 2018.