Filing federal income tax forms is the personal responsibility of each international student. All F-1 and J-1 students and their dependants, regardless of whether or not they have earned money, are required to file an annual tax form. Tax forms must be postmarked no later than April 15 of each year.
Filing federal income tax forms is the personal responsibility of each international student. All F-1 and J-1 students and their dependants, regardless of whether or not they have earned money, are required to file an annual tax form. Tax forms must be postmarked no later than April 15 of each year.
***Students have until April 17th, 2012 to complete their 2011 taxes***
If you were present in the U.S. for even one day as an F or J student, you must complete a tax report called an 8843 form. International Student and Scholar Services has purchased software for you to use to meet this federal requirement as well as assist you in completing the federal tax form 1040NR-EZ. The software is web-based and you can access this software from any computer with access to the Internet.
If you have to file a federal tax return, you must also file a Georgia state tax return. In Georgia, all non-residents for tax purposes must file the GA 500 form. International Services offers assistance with Georgia 500 form with workshops on campus. You must complete your federal tax return BEFORE coming to a state tax workshop.
Don’t have a computer at home or the labs are too busy? You can also come by International Services between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to use a PC in International Services office beginning in mid-February through April 15th. There will be two PCs available: one for 60-minute appointments and one on a walk-in basis. Please call (404) 413-2070 to get an appointment (from 9:00 am-4:00 pm).
You must have all of your immigration and tax materials with you before you can use the software: passport, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, your taxpayer identification number (social security number or ITIN, if any) and a copy of last year’s return (if applicable). You will also need to bring any tax forms you received from GSU, employers, banks, brokers, or the State of Georgia: 1042-Ss, W-2s, 1099s, etc.
The tax software will ask you the name, address, and phone number of your institution and of your advisor. Please use the following answers for those questions:
Institution Address:
Georgia State University
33 Gilmer Street, SE
Atlanta, GA 30303-3085
Phone: (404) 413-2000
Advisor's Address:
Heather Housley—Georgia State University—ISSS
PO Box 3987
33 Gilmer Street, SE
Atlanta, GA 30302-3987
Phone: (404) 413-2070
P.S.: If you are married and/or have dependent children in the F-2 or J-2 status, they are also required to file a form each year, regardless of their age and/or employment status. The software will request their data at the end of your personal form or return.