International Tax Assistance Program

General Information
U.S. tax laws for non-residents are complex and often confusing for international students.  One of the most important things to remember as you read through this information is that most of you are required by federal law to file some type of tax paperwork for the tax year – even if you did not work! 

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).  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). 

Due to the fact that non-resident tax issues are so complex, it is not wise to copy a friend’s tax form.  There may be important differences that are not readily apparent between your tax return and your friend’s situation.  These details can seem unimportant to an untrained eye, but can actually have a significant impact on how you should complete your tax documents.  Please do NOT copy a friend’s tax return.  Instead, make some time to seek assistance from ISL and our Tax Team Volunteers.  

As part of our mission to serve international students at UGA, International Student Life has organized an International Tax Assistance Program (I-TAP) [link to Tax brochure pdf file here] to help non-resident students complete their tax forms each year.  ISL provides several options for completing your federal and/or state tax forms including an excellent software program that you can use from any computer anywhere in the world as well as non-resident tax workshops for UGA international students. 

The information contained within the tax section of this Web site will assist you with basic information about ISL services (including workshops, appointment information, and walk-in sessions) for non-resident taxes this year.  Please read the tax information on this Web site carefully.  If you have any questions, email the ISL Tax Team for more information.

2007 Tax Assistance Brochure