Step By Step Tax Filing Guide
FILING YOUR NON-RESIDENT TAXES USING GLACIER Tax Prep
STEP ONE: GET READY TO FILE YOUR TAX RETURN FORMS USING GLACIER Tax Prep
1. Collect all applicable tax documents, including forms W-2, 1042-S, and/or 1099. Princeton University will send relevant tax documents to you by March 15, 2013. Not all international students and scholars will receive all of these documents – this depends on the type of income, if any, you had in 2012. See the Tax Reporting Document FAQ’s for more information.
2. Collect your:
- Passport and I-94 Card (white card in passport)
- Form I-20 (for F visa holder)
- Form DS-2019 (for J visa holders)
3. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) . If you do not have such a number and have not applied for it – you will do so as part of the GLACIER Tax Prep process. (See Step 4, #2)
4. Address Information: You will need your current U.S. Address (if you are still living in the U.S.) and your permanent foreign address.
5. U.S. Entry & Exit Dates: Collect all entry and exit dates for all prior visits to U.S. and your visa type during those prior visits.
STEP TWO: USE GLACIER Tax Prep
1. GLACIER Tax Prep is free NONRESIDENT ALIEN tax preparation software purchased by Princeton University to assist international students and scholars with non-resident tax filing responsibilities. As you answer the questions in GLACIER Tax Prep, it prepares the appropriate federal tax filing forms for you.
2. You may access GLACIER Tax Prep in one of two ways:
1) If you are registered in Glacier, you will receive an email before March 15, 2013. This email will contain your link to GLACIER Tax Prep and your GLACIER Tax Prep log-in information. You should use this to enter GLACIER Tax Prep.
2) If you do not receive an email from Glacier with your GLACIER Tax Prep login information before March 15, 2013, then most likely you are not registered in Glacier. In that case, you should email NTCR@princeton.edu and request assistance in registering for Glacier. The subject of your email should state – GLACIER Tax Prep ACCESS. After you are registered in Glacier, you should receive your GLACIER Tax Prep log-in information.
STEP THREE: DETERMINE YOUR TAX RESIDENCY STATUS
1. As you answer the questions in GLACIER Tax Prep, it will determine if you are a resident or non-resident for tax filing purposes. If you are a NONRESIDENT ALIEN for tax filing purposes, then you may continue using GLACIER Tax Prep by answering the questions on each screen to complete your NONRESIDENT ALIEN Tax Return. Most international students and scholars will fall into the NONRESIDENT ALIEN category.
2. If it is determined that you are a RESIDENT for tax filing purposes, you will not be allowed to use GLACIER Tax Prep since it is only appropriate for nonresident alien filing. Instead, you will need to file a U.S. RESIDENT tax return the same as American citizens. For information on how to file a U.S. RESIDENT tax return, refer to FAQs # 21-23.
STEP FOUR: PRINT YOUR TAX FORMS, SIGN, AND MAIL THEM
1. After you have answered all of the questions in GLACIER Tax Prep, the software program will prepare the appropriate federal tax forms for your situation. Print the forms, sign them, and attach your relevant tax documents, such as W-2, 1042-S, or 1099 (depending on your situation). GLACIER Tax Prep will also give you complete instructions on how and where to mail your tax forms. Read and follow the GLACIER Tax Prep instructions carefully.
2. If you DO NOT have a social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), then GLACIER Tax Prep will create a Form W-7 Application for an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number along with your other tax filing forms. Form W-7 requires that you attach a notarized copy of your passport biographical page, your visa page, your I-94 card (front & back), and your I-20 or DS-2019 Form. Mail these documents along with your other tax filing forms. For the location of a Notary Public on campus, see FAQ # 24.
3. Deadline - Income tax forms must be postmarked to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) no later than April 15, 2013.
4. Important: Make copies of everything to keep in your records before mailing the original forms!
