International Tax Assistance Program - General Infromation

CINTAX Software Program (Tax Preparation Assistance On-line)
CINTAX is a tax software program purchased for UGA international student and scholar usage by the International Student Life office in conjunction with the Office of International Education. This software helps International Students and scholars prepare their FEDERAL tax forms on-line through the computer. Individuals choosing this option will need to remember to print the tax forms out after completing the questions associated with the CINTAX program and mail the completed forms to the Internal Revenue Service.  PLEASE REMEMBER to make a copy of ALL tax forms and keep them for your records.

Persons choosing the CINTAX option should email International Student Life for instructions and passwords for the software from their UGA email accounts.  Contact 706-542-5867 or email isltax@uga.edu if you have any questions concerning CINTAX.

PLEASE NOTE: Students and scholars using CINTAX will also need to complete the STATE tax forms as well IF they worked or received income during the tax year. Students may schedule an appointment with the ISL Tax Team for further assistance with the Georgia Form 500. Scholars should plan to use the instruction booklet on-line in order to complete the state form.

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Specific Filing Requirements for International Students

Click on the following statement that applies to you:

• I did NOT earn or receive income during the tax year.
• I earned or received income during the tax year.    

International Students Who Did Not Work / Did Not Receive Income during the Tax Year

1. International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa who are non-residents for tax purposes are required by law to file a tax report (form 8843) with the U.S. federal government each year (even if you did not work or receive income). 
2. If your spouse or dependents are on an F-2 or J-2 visa and have been living in the United States during the tax year (for any part of the year), you must also file a tax report (form 8843) for them with the Internal Revenue Service (even if they did not work or receive income). 
3. Tax reports (form 8843) are due on June 15th each year.  However, ISL recommends that you complete this form and mail it each year by April 15th so we can better assist you during the tax season when we have additional tax volunteers and staff available.
4. Find out more about how to complete your 8843 form with ISL in the current Tax Brochure.

*Please note:  It is not necessary to have a Social Security number / ID number if you are only filing the 8843 and did not work or earn income.

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International Students Who Worked / Received Income during the Tax Year

1. International students who are considered non-residents for tax purposes and who received income during the tax year are required by law to file a tax return with the U.S. federal government and with the Georgia Department of Revenue. 
2. If you earned income through employment (example: a graduate assistantship or a campus job) or have a taxable scholarship you must file a tax return (either the 1040-NR EZ or 1040-NR) in addition to your tax report (form 8843).
3. If you earned income and do not have a Social Security number, you will need to apply for a Tax I.D. Number (TIN OR ITIN) to file your tax forms. You do not need a TIN or ITIN if you already have a Social Security number OR if you did not earn any income during the tax year.
• To find out more information about how to apply for an ITIN number, call the UGA Payroll Department at 706-542-3431 or email Susan Caldwell [link to susanc@uga.edu ] to make an appointment with an advisor who can help you apply for the T.I.N.  Please note that the IRS often takes a long time to process these numbers, so you should apply as soon as possible.
4. When completing the IRS forms (8843, 1040-NR EZ, etc.), international students will need to refer closely to passport and visa information. Additionally, students who have worked in the U.S. will also need information included on any W-2 or 1042-S forms received from the students' employer.
• If you worked, but did not receive a W-2 form, you need to contact your employer for further information. 
• If you have a scholarship or a tax treaty benefit for wages and/or scholarships, but did not receive a 1042-S from the University, you should contact that University's Business Office for your 1042-S form.) UGA's Business Office number for the 1042-S forms is 706-542-3431.
5. If you worked or earned income in the U.S., you may also need to complete a STATE tax return as well. Email isltax@uga.edu for more information.
6. If you have a spouse or dependents who are on an F-2 or J-2 visa and have been living in the United States during the tax year (for any part of the year), you must also file a tax report (form 8843) for them with the Internal Revenue Service (even if they did not work or receive income).
7. Federal Forms/Tax Returns and the GA State Returns are typically due on April 15th each year.
8. Find out more about how to complete your federal and state forms with ISLin the current Tax Brochure.

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