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FAQ's for Nonresident Aliens (NRA's) - Tax Return Information

1. Does the University offer any income tax preparation assistance to NRAs?
2. How do I determine what Federal nonresident alien (NRA) income tax return form to file each year?
3. What tax reporting documents do I need in order to complete my tax returns?
4. When will my current year W-2 or 1042-S tax reporting documents be available?
5. Should I keep copies of my tax returns and other tax forms?
6. I am leaving the country before I can file my taxes. What should I do?
7. I am a nonresident alien for tax purposes. Can I claim the HOPE or Tuition Tax Credit or the Earned Income Credit?

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1. Does the University offer any income tax preparation assistance to NRAs?

   Yes. The University has purchased a license for GLACIER Tax Prep which is a federal tax preparation software for NRA students and scholars. GLACIER Tax Prep is available free of charge to NRA students and scholars associated with JHU. Please see the JHU Tax Office web site for further information about GLACIER Tax Prep. See http://finance.jhu.edu/depts/tax/glacier.html

2. How do I determine what Federal nonresident alien (NRA) income tax return form to file each year?

   The University has purchased a license for GLACIER Tax Prep software that will assist you in choosing the correct form, see http://finance.jhu.edu/depts/tax/glacier.html for more information. The short NRA federal income tax return is Form 1040NR-EZ for certain NRAs with no dependents. The long NRA federal income tax return is Form 1040NR which will accommodate any tax situation for NRAs. The instructions to these forms will detail who is eligible to use the form and these forms and instructions can be found at: http://www.irs.gov.

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3. What tax reporting documents do I need in order to complete my tax returns?

   The University has purchased a license for GLACIER Tax Prep software that will assist you in identifying the forms you will need, see http://finance.jhu.edu/depts/tax/glacier.html for more information. The W-2 tax reporting document will report Federal/State wages not covered by treaty and also state fellowship income. The Form 1042-S tax reporting document will report all fellowship income and any salary or wages covered by an income tax treaty.

4. When will my current year W-2 or 1042-S tax reporting documents be available?

   Generally, the W-2 and 1042-S are ready by the end of January following the tax year.

5. Should I keep copies of my tax returns and other tax forms?

   Yes. Always keep copies of your tax returns, W-2, 1042-S, 1099 bank interest statements and any other pertinent forms as proof that you have filed. The IRS can audit individual returns for up to 3 years following the filing deadline and your tax records are essential in proving your case.

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6. I am leaving the country before I can file my taxes. What should I do?

Make sure your Departmental Payroll Administrator has your foreign address so that your Form W-2 and/or Form 1042-S can be mailed to you. If you have elected to receive your Form W-2 online, you will still be able to access it that way. If you want to elect online delivery, here is the link: http://ssc.jhmi.edu/hr_payroll/jh/w2.html

If you are an NRA for the tax year, you can use GLACIER Tax Prep software (see http://finance.jhu.edu/depts/tax/glacier.html) or download the appropriate tax return forms and instructions so that you can file your U.S. taxes from abroad. Here is the link to the federal tax forms and instructions: http://www.irs.gov.
Here is the link to the State of Maryland forms and instructions: http://www.marylandtaxes.com. Save copies of all forms submitted.



7. I am a nonresident alien for tax purposes. Can I claim Education or Tuition Tax Credits or the Earned Income Credit?

No. NRAs cannot claim these credits. Once you qualify to file as a resident alien for tax purposes, you may be eligible to claim them.

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