Income Taxes

For 2008 taxes, the deadline for filing is April 15, 2009. Please remember that this is YOUR responsibility, but we do try to help!

What forms do I need to complete?
yes/no	If you....	Complete:	Can ISS help?
	...were in the United States for more than 30 days in 2008, but did not work.	•Form 8843	Yes, use the self help desk or download the form below.
	...worked in 2008, but did not earn more than $3,500.	•Form 8843...however, if you received deductions and you would like to see if you can get some money back, you will also need to do Form 1040NREZ.	Yes, use the self help desk or download the form below.
	...received a scholarship in 2008. (In February the university mailed you a form called the 1042-S to show your scholarship. You will need this to complete your forms.)	•Form 1040NREZ only if your scholarship was more than $23,500 for undergraduates, or $8,500 for seminary. •Form 8843	If your scholarship was more than $23,500, make an appointment. If not, use the self-help desk.
	...only worked in Ohio in 2008 AND earned more than $3,500. (Your employer(s) mailed you a form called W-2 to show your earnings. You will need this to complete your forms.)	•Form 1040NREZ •Ohio IT1040EZ •Form 8843	Yes, please make an appointment.
	...worked, earning any amount, and had deductions taken for Social Security or Medicare. (International students do not need to pay these, so you may be able to obtain a refund.)	•Form 843	No, but you can download the forms and complete instructions below.
	...worked in Ohio, earning more than $3,500, and another state in 2008.	•Form 1040 NREZ •Ohio IT-1040 •Form 8843 •that state's form	Only with the first three forms, make an appointment.
	...have been in the United States for different parts of 5 years, as an F, M or J student.	•Form 1040 EZ or 1040.	No, see ideas below.
	...made charitable contributions to a church or polictical party that I wish to claim against my taxes.	•Form 1040NR •Form 8843	No for the first form. Use the self help desk, or download below, for the 2nd form.
	...are a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen.	•Form 1040 EZ or 1040	No, see ideas below.
	...are on OPT and were employed in 2007.	•Form 1040 NR-EZ •Form 8843 •state's form	Only for the first two forms and if you worked in Ohio.

ISS can help ONLY with:

•Form 8843 (self-help desk outside of the ISS office, 7th floor. from February 15th to April 16th)

•1040 NREZ (by individual appointment)

•Ohio IT1040EZ (by individual appointment)

Individual Appointments with Salahuddin Ahmed will be available from March 2 to April 10. Appointments are available on Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Please email him at sahmed@ashland.edu

Download Forms:

Form 8843

Form 1040 NREZ and Instructions

Form 1040 NR and Instructions

State of Ohio (available in ISS or on the main floor of the library)

Form 843 (from the University of Texas)

How else can I complete these forms? Here are some ideas:

Hire an accountant or tax service, listed in the yellow pages of the phone book. Ask if they can help with "non-resident" taxes, and tell them which forms you need to complete. Costs can range from $50 to $150. In the Ashland area the following businesses welcome international students:

Armstrong Accounting & Consulting: 419-281-1040

Steven Irwin, CPA: 419-281-3211

Everett Shonkwiler: 419-281-3544

Online you can complete Forms 8843, 1040NREZ or 1040NR at http://www.arcticintl.com/cintax.htm or http://www.istaxes.com/

A helpful website can be found at the University of Texas: http://www.utexas.edu/international/taxes/. Here you will find samples of completed forms that you may adapt for yourself.

If you are a permanent resident or citizen, you may want to use an accuntant, tax service like H&R Block, or tax software like Turbotax.

Free tax forms, and instructions, are available at the post office, AU library and the public library.