Income Tax Information

All international students, scholars and dependents are required to file a federal income tax form with the US Internal Revenue Service if you were present in the United States at any time during the 2008 calendar year. This requirement is necessary even if you did not have any income in the United States.

This year the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) has purchased a software program exclusively for international students & scholars. This web-based program – called CINTAX Complete International Tax Preparation Software– was developed for use for students and scholars who are required to file forms 1040 NR EZ, 1040NR and form 8843 (Non-Residents for tax purposes). CINTAX will ask you a series of questions and determine the required forms required for federal income tax filing. Since this is a web-based program you can complete this anywhere you have an internet connection.

You will need an access code from the ISSO before you will be able to log into the program. Information will be forthcoming on how continue with the log in process. Note: You must contact the ISSO to receive your CINTAX access code.

CINTAX was purchased with the hope that the confusion that surrounds income tax filing will be greatly reduced. However, this year a limited amount of licenses were purchased. Please contact me as soon as possible for your access code.

NOTE: For those students who have been in student status (F-1/J-1) for more than 5 years and those scholars who have been in J1 exchange visitor status for more than 2 years are considered to be RESIDENTS for tax purposes. This means that you will not be able to use the CINTAX program and may wish instead to view other tax preparation services and/or websites for further information.

The International Students & Scholars Office is not qualified to give tax advice and therefore should not be relied upon for this information. For complex tax situations you should consider seeking the advice from a qualified tax service or accountant.