Frequently Asked Questions

Non-Resident Alien Tax Workshop Slides & Handouts will be posted on this site by March 1, 2013
 

• 1. Do I need to file a tax return if I had no US earned income or scholarships for 2010?
     Yes. You and your dependents must file Form 8843.
  2. Do I have to file Form 8843 if I arrive in 2010 but I didn’t work?
     Yes. If you were in the US for one day in 2010 you must file form 8843.
  3. Do I have to file if I only made a little in 2010?
     Possibly. If the total sum of your US source income was less than the personal exemption ($3500 for 2008) you are not required to file IRS Form 1040NR-EZ or form 1040NR. However, if you had any taxes withheld, you should file IRS Form 1040NR-EZ or Form 1040NR to get a refund of these taxes and you must still file Form 8843.
  4. What do I do if my spouse and dependent child do not have a Social Security number?
     For dependents not eligible for a Social Security number, you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Complete Form W-7 and submit along with the required supporting documents to an IRS office located in San Francisco. Completed Form W-7(s) and supporting documents are then submitted with your tax return. ITIN is for tax filling purposes only.
  5. May I file my taxes now if I already received my W-2 for the wages I earned in 2010?
     Not necessarily. If you are from a country which has a tax treaty with the US, or you received US based scholarship or fellowship, you may also receive Form 1042-S from payroll.
  6. What is Form 1042-S?
     If you received a scholarship or fellowship, or if you had wages that were exempt from federal taxes because of a tax treaty, you will receive this form which records this information. This form is required to file your tax return.
  7. What is the deadline for filing my tax return?
     If you’re filing Form 1040NR-EZ or Form 1040NR, the deadline to file is April 18.
  8. How do I access CINTAX?
     If you receive a check from UCSF and have a GLACIER account, go to http://www.online-tax.net/
     If you do NOT receive a check from UCSF and do NOT have a GLACIER account, go to https://www.cintax.us
     Enter Password: contact us for the password
  9. Do I need to file a tax return for the state of California Unlike federal rules, California does not require tax returns from those who have little or no income. However, non-residents are taxed on income derived from sources within California. See any California state tax form for specific rules and guidelines on "Who Must File." Otherwise, those whose California state tax filing status is:
     • resident -- file California Tax Form 540.
     • non-resident -- file California Tax Form 540-NR