FAQ
- 2020 Taxes must be filed by April 15, 2021.
- U.S. tax laws can be complex and confusing. Laws that apply to international students are not the same as those that apply to U.S. citizens.
- This page is meant to be a general introduction. We are not tax professionals, so this cannot be considered legal tax advice.
- It is important to note that failure to file a correct federal income tax return and filing a fraudulent federal income tax return are violations of U.S. tax law and may potentially impact current or future immigration status.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will never contact you by email OR text message. If you are contacted by the IRS and are unsure if it is a real request or not, contact ISSS as soon as possible.
Questions about filing as a Nonresident Alien, GLACIER or Form 1042-S?
Programming and Communications, International Affairs International.Events@unt.edu
Questions about the Foreign National Form and Form W-2?
UNTSystem Tax Office sysfn@untsystem.edu
Questions about filing as a Resident Alien, amending a previous return, or completing ITIN paperwork?
Nonprofit Tax Clinic, Bob Widmer, UNT Faculty and Tax Attorney bob@widmerlaw.com
September 2020 Tax Workshop Presentation
About the U.S. Tax System
International students and scholars in the U.S. have certain U.S. tax obligations.
- If you receive U.S.source income including wages, stipend, or scholarship funds, you will likely have federal taxes withheld from your checks (unless you benefit from a tax treaty.)
- The U.S. federal tax system is a pay-as-you go system. This means that income may be reduced by tax withholdings.
- When you file your annual U.S. federal tax return in April of each year, the exact amount of tax due is calculated. You may get a refund or you may owe additional taxes.
- You must have an ITIN or SSN to file a federal tax return.
- The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31. Tax returns are due the following year in mid-April. Taxes are paid to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Understanding your Obligations
All international students and scholars (F, J, M and Q visa status) with U.S. source income must complete a U.S. Federal Tax Return
Filing a U.S. Federal Tax Return - How UNT Can Help
International Affairs has contracted with GLACIER Tax Prep to provide U.S. Federal Tax Return assistance to international students filing as nonresident aliens at UNT.
GLACIER Tax Prep provides step-by-step instructions to prepare the appropriate forms (including Form 8843) to prepare your U.S. Federal Tax Return correctly. GLACIER will guide you through the required forms based on your personal situation.
GLACIER Tax Prep access codes will be sent to your EagleConnect/UNT email address MID-MARCH.
The access code allows you to utilize the GLACIER software free of charge. Codes are limited to the first 699 users. Once codes are exhausted, GLACIER charges a minimal fee.
GLACIER Tax Prep Eligibility
You are eligible to use GLACIER Tax Prep if you have been in the U.S. less than 5 calendar years. This allows you to file as a nonresident alien.
After 5 calendar years, F, J, M or Q visa holders must take the Substantial Presence Test to determine how to file: as a nonresident alien for tax purposes (eligible for GLACIER) or as a resident alien for tax purposes (NOT eligible for GLACIER.)
Documents and Information Needed for GLACIER
- ITIN or SSN
- I-20 or DS 2019 and Passport
- U.S. Entry and Exit dates
- Form W-2 (UNT W-2 forms will be available online the last week of January and/or sent via USPS)
- Form 1042-S (UNT System Tax Office will mail Form 1042-S mid-March - NOT EVERYONE WILL RECEIVE FORM 1042-S)
- Claimed tax treaty benefits
- Scholarships that exceed tuition and fees
- Form 1099 (if applicable)
How to use GLACIER
- You must have the documents and information listed above before accessing GLACIER.
- Plan to spend at least 30 minutes preparing your tax return with GLACIER.
- You must print, sign and mail your tax return to the IRS.
Important Notes
If you have questions about the software, please visit the Tutorial Videos link on the GTP welcome page. All information entered in GLACIER is encrypted and secured via SSL technology. GLACIER will NOT use your email address for any purpose other than to contact you if an error has occurred with your tax return preparation. Record your GLACIER user ID and password. This information is required to access the site at a later date, or in the case of a dropped internet connection. If you used GLACIER last year, your previous user ID and password should work. If you cannot login, follow the prompts on the screen to recover your account.
Not Using GLACIER?
Filing Form 8843
Form 8843 must be filed if an individual is:
- present in the U.S. during the tax year
- in the U.S. less than 5 calendar years
- present in the U.S. with F, J, M and Q visa status (including dependents)
If an individual meets all three qualifications above, the individual must file Form 8843, regardless of the individual’s age and even if the individual is not required to file a U.S. income tax return.
- Form 8843 is not an income tax return, it is an informational statement required by the U.S. government.
If you are ONLY filing Form 8843, you must print, sign, and mail it to:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215
USA
Additional Resources
If you have been in the U.S. more than 5 calendar years, you may be considered a resident alien for tax purposes. Not sure you meet this distinction? Take the Substantial Presence Test.
If you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes, you may utilize any of the following options:
Nonprofit Tax Clinic, Bob Widmer, UNT Faculty and Tax Attorney bob@widmerlaw.com
United Way of Denton County offers free tax services by volunteer tax accountants
TurboTax online tax returns