As an international student who has been in the United States during the 2018 calendar year, you will need to file one or more tax forms in the spring of 2019. Tax laws that apply to internationals are not the same as those that apply to U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents. International students who are filing tax forms for the first time often find it to be a very confusing process. While we are not tax experts, we do want to assist you with this responsibility. The deadline for filing tax forms for the 2018 tax year is April 15, 2019
This information is not a substitute for advice obtained from the Internal Revenue Service or a qualified tax professional.
International Student Services has purchased online tax preparation software for RIT international students called Glacier Tax Prep (GTP). The software provides everything non-residents need to file their federal tax forms all in one place.
How much does it cost?
RIT international students may use the software for FREE
How do I access the program?
In one of two ways:
How Does it Work?
The software asks students a series of questions and based on the answers determines things like:
• If you are really a non-resident for tax purposes
• Which tax returns or other tax forms are necessary to complete
• If there is a tax treaty that might apply for you
• If an ITIN is necessary
How Long Does it Take?
It typically takes 15 – 20 minutes to complete.
What if I have questions?
You may do one or all of the following:
What do I do after going through the software program?
You will print out the forms and mail them to the address provided. There are complete instructions on the final page of Glacier Tax Prep.
After you have completed your federal tax return with GLACIER Tax Prep (“GTP”), if you are also required to file a state tax return, you will have the opportunity to continue on to Sprintax for assistance in preparing your state tax return. If you choose to continue to Sprintax, you will log out of GTP, create a separate Sprintax registration, and pay a separate fee.
Sprintax is an online software that allows you to file your state tax return as a non-resident. Live chat and toll free assistance are available 24/7. The cost of filing a New York State tax return is $25.95. If you do not want to pay the fee, you can get the forms from the New York State tax site to complete your state taxes. You will not be able to complete your New York State forms until you have completed your federal form.
Please note: State taxes vary by the state where income was earned during the tax year and forms must be filed separately for each state. If you did a co-op in another state you may need to complete a tax form for that state.
You may choose to complete your state tax forms on your own. If this is what you would like to do, please check our LINK TO STATE TAX FORMS.
Some students decide to hire a professional tax preparer to file their taxes. This is often a good option for students who are unable to use Glacier Tax Prep, students who have complicated tax issues, or those who would simply prefer to have a professional complete their tax forms for them.
The following is a very reputable tax firm students may turn to for help in preparing both resident and non-resident tax forms.
International students who are NON-residents for tax purposes should NOT file tax returns using TURBO-tax because it does not complete the NON-resident forms for you. Most of the tax software programs advertised online do not offer assistance in completing non-resident tax forms.
If you did not receive any income at all in the U.S. in the 2018 tax year (January 1st - December 31st), you still need to fill out a Form 8843, which records your presence in the U.S. The form does not have to be sent in until June 15th.
If you haven't graduated, you may print a copy of your RIT W-2 form by logging into myinfo.rit.edu. If you have not set up your myinfo account, the process is easy:
1. Go to https://myinfo.rit.edu
2. Enter username: SIS username
3. Enter password: SIS password
4. If this is your first time accessing this application, your account will be set up within an hour.
5. When you log back in, you can set up direct deposit, access your pay slip, and update your Federal and State tax withholding.
If you have graduated call the Payroll Office for help at 585-475-2381 or 585-475-2382
If you worked for another employer, you will need to contact the company for a copy of your W-2 form.
If you need to request more time to complete your federal or state tax forms you must do so by the tax filing deadline, April 15, 2019.
The Glacier Tax Prep software will determine if you are a resident or nonresident for tax purposes. You MAY be a resident for tax purposes if:
If the Glacier Tax Prep software has determined that you are a resident for tax purposes you may use Turbo Tax, TaxAct or any of the other software programs available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Residents for tax purposes may also find help through the free C.A.S.H. Income Tax Assistance Program. This program offers free income tax preparation by IRS certified volunteers. Hours and location information are available on the C.A.S.H website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taxes
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - federal forms
1-800-829-3676 (forms & publications)
1-800-829-1040 (advice)
255 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14604
http://www.irs.gov
Foreign Students and Scholars Information on IRS Website
NY State
1-800-225-5829
229 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY
www.tax.ny.gov
Click the button below for a list of answers to tax questions frequently asked by RIT international students.
1 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623
