Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour at the University of Georgia is a weekly program that brings UGA students, faculty, staff, and community members together over coffee and international cuisine. Excluding scheduled University breaks, this event occurs every Friday during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm in the Memorial Hall Ballroom. The UGA Coffee Hour is one of the longest running programs of its kind across the United States.
Coordinated by ISL staff members, Coffee Hour typically includes finger foods from around the world (including the United States!) and has a different host each week including UGA international student organizations, University departments and offices, community groups, and many others. The International Student Life Office typically hosts the first and last Coffee Hour of each semester. All other dates are available for groups interested in sponsoring and/or co-hosting this event. Contact International Student Life for more information about the schedule for this semester as well as how your organization can sponsor / host a Coffee Hour. Please keep in mind that the schedule for Coffee Hour typically fills one semester prior to the event, so please contact ISL early if your group is interested in hosting.
Ethnic Nights
Each year several ISL student organizations [link to student organization page] elect to host evenings of culture that showcase a variety of global traditions, customs, international performances, and culinary delights. These evenings are referred to as Ethnic Nights and provide a wonderful way to travel around the world without leaving Athens. Ethnic Nights are ticketed events and the actual number of cultural evenings varies from year to year. Contact ISL or specific student organizations for more information concerning this year’s schedule of Ethnic Nights.
Global Friends Peer Mentor Program
Global Friends is a peer mentor program that was created by International Student Life in 2000 as a way to provide opportunities for international and U.S. students to connect with each other. Sponsored in part by the UGA Parent’s and Families Association, Global Friends matches current UGA students with new or transfer international students each semester. During the academic year ISL organizes at least one event per month including cultural / educational opportunities such as visiting the Carter Center in Atlanta, carving pumpkins, celebrating Thanksgiving, or attending UGA athletic events together. Through this program participants are able to create life-long global friendships while learning more about the various cultures and societies they represent. Contact ISL for more information about how to become involved with Global Friends.
International Education Week / Month – November 2009 November 16-20, 2009, International Education Week
In 2001, the United States Department of State and Department of Education created International Education Week to promote the benefits of international education and worldwide exchange. This week is celebrated annually across the United States and typically occurs during the month of November each year. In an effort to provide programs and services that prepare UGA students for a global environment, ISL celebrated its first IEW in 2001 by creating the first international festival ever held on the UGA campus called Around the World in Tatey Days (now referred to as World Fest).
Since 2001 ISL has expanded its IEW programs to include an international film festival, a global discussion series (Tea Talks), workshops on international careers, dessert receptions, cultural / educational celebrations including a Thanksgiving Feast for international students, panel discussions relating to the Peace Corps, special entertainment / performances during Coffee Hour, international student artists exhibits, and co-sponsorship of other UGA International Education Week events on campus. In November 2006, ISL extended International Education Week to a month-long series of events on the UGA campus.
For specific information about ISL’s programs during International Education Month this year or to help plan and organize these events, please contact the staff at International Student Life.
International Graduation Ceremony
ISL created the first International Graduation Ceremony in December 2002 to honor and celebrate the achievements of international students and ISL student leaders graduating from The University of Georgia. A ceremony is held in December and May of each year and is intended to serve as a complement to the UGA Commencement Exercises. The International Graduation Ceremony highlights the special accomplishments and sacrifices made by international students and their families and also includes a complimentary reception immediately following for graduates and their guests.
The Ceremony is free for UGA students and their loved ones, but graduates must contact the ISL Office to register for this event in order to participate. Interested students may also wish to purchase an international sash from the ISL Office showcasing their native homeland for use during the Ceremony. Contact ISL staff for information concerning sash prices and / or deadlines for registering for this ceremony each semester.
International Street Festival, Saturday, April 10, 2010
Date: Saturday, April 10, 2010
Time: 12 noon – 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Athens, College Avenue, Across from the Arch
Rain Location: To Be Determined
General Information
The International Street Festival (also known as ISF or Street Fest) was created in 1999 and is an annual event that promotes internationalization and cultural awareness within the Athens community. The Festival is student and family friendly and boasts an attendance of 3,000 – 5,000 visitors each year. Various UGA student groups and community organizations host exciting cultural displays and performances throughout the Festival which occurs in downtown Athens each spring. Street Fest is sponsored by International Student Life as well generous contributions from Allison Krache, Athens A+ Tae Kwon Do, Perception Kayaks and world famous music group R.E.M for past festivals.
Host a Street Fest Display
Table displays for the International Street Festival typically come from registered UGA international and multinational student organizations as well as interested community members. All displays must incorporate a heavy international/cultural component and/or serve as a financial sponsor for the event in order to participate. Final authorization of groups hosting table displays is made by the Street Fest Planning Committee and ISL staff members. Contact the ISL Office for more information concerning deadlines and how to register your group, country, organization, or sponsoring agency for a table.
Perform at the International Street Festival
Many international groups and organizations present exciting cultural performances at the Street Festival each year. Past acts have included Korean drumming, Brazilian martial arts, African dance, Bluegrass music, flamenco dancing, demonstrations of salsa and meringue, individual soloists and artists, Chinese lion dances, international fashion shows, International story telling, Korean martial arts, and belly dancing.
As mentioned previously, all aspects of the International Street Festival are free and open to the public. Due to the nature of this popular event as a free festival, ISL staff seeks groups and organizations that are willing to share their international talents with the Athens community at no cost to the Festival. If your group or organization is interested in performing for this year’s Street Fest, please contact the ISL Office for more information. Final authorization of groups performing is made by the Street Fest Planning Committee and ISL staff members.
Sponsor ISL’s International Street Festival
Two of the distinguishing characteristics of the International Street Festival includes not only our international theme, but also our strong commitment to the Athens community to make each and every aspect of this event free to the public. We have been able to achieve this objective since the Festival’s inception due to the generous support of various departments within the University of Georgia as well as local businesses, organizations, and Athens community members each year. For a complete list of our wonderful sponsors and donors from last year’s Festival, click here. [pdf of 2009 sponsors] If your business or organization would like to help support the International Street Festival, please contact the ISL Office for more information.
Student Leadership & Volunteering for Street Fest
The ISL Office needs creative and energetic students to help with the planning and coordination of the Street Festival each year. The planning process starts one year in advance of the Festival and the student planning meetings typically begin in the late Fall / early spring semester each year. ISL is looking for students who are interested in serving as either a general member or as the committee chairperson for any of the following Street Fest Planning Committees:
Fundraising (helps raise funds as well as give-away items for the Festival)
Advertising (helps create & implement an advertising plan and marketing strategies for the event)
Performances (recruits all performance groups for the day and provides support for stage management during the event)
Organizations (works directly with all organizational/community displays and serves as a liaison between the ISF planning committee and the hosts for each display)
Children's Corner & Children’s Activities (coordinates the Children’s Corner at the Festival including organizing activities for participants throughout the day)
For more information concerning the role of each committee or to sign up to volunteer, please contact the International Student Life Office.
International Student Organizations
Currently, ISL advises approximately 30 international and multinational student organizations each year. There are two main types of international student organizations advised by ISL. The first type focuses on the nationality or geographical region of a group of students. The second type includes groups that have a multinational perspective. All UGA students are encouraged to participate in the ISL student organizations. Active ISL groups fluctuate depending on current student interests and needs. Contact the office for the most updated information concerning registered ISL student organizations.
For students interested in starting a brand new organization, visit the Campus Life website www.uga.edu/campuslife for instructions regarding UGA’s process for creating a new student group. Organizations that are interested in being advised by the ISL Office should contact our staff members to learn more.
International Student Orientation: An Archway to UGA
ISL organizes an international student orientation each semester for new and transfer international students matriculating to the University of Georgia. The information included in the ISL orientations is not covered by any other orientation program on campus. The spring and summer orientations are a one-day event and the fall orientation is a five-day program. Highlights from ISL’s orientation schedules include information concerning immigration issues, taxes for non-residents, cross-cultural adjustment, housing assistance, course registration procedures, Social Security Cards, UGA payroll, and campus tours. Current UGA students serve as orientation leaders (called World Leaders) to assist with each international orientation session. For more information, visit the New & Prospective Students section of this website or contact ISL.
ISL Awards
Leadership Recognition & the ISL Award
Each year International Student Life hosts a recognition ceremony to highlight the student leadership and organizational support that make ISL’s events, services, and programs possible. Several of the awards given during this event include Best Coffee Hour, Best Ethnic Night, Best New Student Organization, Best Street Festival Display, as well as volunteer appreciation for student leadership.
The most prestigious award given by the ISL Office each year is The ISL Award which goes to an individual or group who best represents the goals and mission of the International Student Life office. This person/group is someone who has continuously volunteered for the office, taken on leadership and responsibility roles that were above and beyond ISL’s expectations as well as served as a beacon for other students.
Saeeda Peermahomed Award
International Student Life has the pleasure of administering the Saeeda Peermahomed Award for The University of Georgia. Saeeda Peermahomed was a University of Georgia student from India who was studying to obtain a Masters degree in Journalism when she was killed in a tragic automobile accident in North Georgia in 1979. Saeeda was an outstanding international student who was active in international student organizations and promoted cross-cultural exchange. This award is made possible by the Peermahomed Family and is given in Saeeda's memory to help perpetuate the goals of intercultural exchange for which she stood.
The Peermahomed Award is given annually during the spring semester to an international student in recognition of outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service in the field of international education. The recipient of this award will be an undergraduate or graduate international student at The University of Georgia and will have been dynamically involved in international programs and/or activities on campus. International Student Life will solicit nominations early in the spring semester each year. For more information about this award, deadlines for nominations, or any additional questions, please contact International Student Life.
ISL Library
ISL offers a modest library of resources for UGA students and ISL organizations including books on intercultural training, cross-cultural adjustment, understanding various cultures as well as intercultural videos and musical selections from around the world. Resources may be accessed during regular office hours in conjunction with assistance from ISL staff. Contact the office for more information.
ISL offers a number of diversity workshops as well as intercultural and leadership training each year for UGA students, faculty, and staff. Past programs include student organizational leadership retreats, diversity workshops & trainings, career seminars for international and U.S. students, intercultural & global leadership training, workshops on academic honesty and academic success in the U.S., courses and seminars taught at the Undergraduate and Graduate levels as well courses for staff and faculty through Training and Development. Requests for presentations and/or workshops should be made to the office staff with an appropriate amount of time for planning and preparation.
Summer Events
For the international students who remain in Athens during the summer break, International Student Life offers summer social events in addition to our regular services. During the month of July, ISL hosts several pool socials at the Legion Pool located on Lumpkin Street for international students and their families/friends to enjoy. ISL pool parties will typically be held on Friday evenings during the month of July and are complimentary for UGA international students. Specific dates and times for the ISL summer pool parties can be found by contacting the office for this year’s schedule.
Tax Assistance
General Tax Information for International Students
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).
As part of our mission to serve international students at UGA, International Student Life has organized an International Tax Assistance Program (I-TAP) 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.
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.
The information contained within the tax section of this website 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 website carefully. If you have any questions, email the ISL Tax Team isltax@Uga.edu for more information.
General Non-Resident Tax Information
• STEP ONE: Determining Your Status
• STEP TWO: Completing Your Federal Forms
• STEP THREE: Completing Your State Form (if required)
• STEP FOUR: Mailing Your Tax Forms
• Expectations
• Professional or Free Tax Preparation Services and Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
General Non-Resident Tax Information
U.S. tax laws require non-residents living in the U.S. to complete some type of tax paperwork, even if you did not work. Tax paperwork should be completed and mailed to the Internal Revenue Service (Federal Forms) and Georgia State Department of Revenue (State Forms) by April 15 of each tax year. The International Student Life office provides services for international students to receive assistance with non-resident tax forms from February –April of each tax year. E-mail isltax@uga.edu starting in January to receive more information or contact ISL at (706)542-5867.
Who is Required to Complete Tax Paperwork: 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).
Before you Begin the Process: 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. Also please DO NOT use regular online software to complete your forms. There is special software called CINTAX that was created specifically for non-residents. Documents Needed to Complete Tax Paperwork Below:
- W-2s for the tax year (if any)
- 1042-S for the tax year (if applicable)
- Passport and Visa
- Calendar and exact dates in the U.S. for the past SIX years
- Social Security Number or ITIN (individual tax ID number)
- Previous year(s) form(s) if applicable
- A calculator
Services to Help You Complete Tax Forms: As part of our mission to serve international students at UGA, International Student Life has organized an International Tax Assistance Program (I-TAP) 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 contact the ISL Office.
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STEP ONE: DETERMINE YOUR SPECIFIC FILING REQUIREMENT
II. Click on the following statement that applies to you:
• I did NOT earn or receive income during the tax year.
• I earned or received income during the tax year.
Students Who Did Not Work / Did Not Receive Income during the Tax Year
- 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).
- Tax reports (form 8843) are due on June 15th each year. However, ISL recommends that you complete this form and mail it each year by April 15th so we can better assist you during the tax season when we have additional tax volunteers and staff available.
*Please note: It is not necessary to have a Social Security number / ID number if you are only filing the 8843 and did not work or earn income.
International Students Who Worked / Received Income during the Tax Year
- International students who are considered non-residents for tax purposes and who received income during the tax year are required by law to file a tax return with the U.S. federal government and with the Georgia Department of Revenue.
- If you earned income through employment (example: a graduate assistantship or a campus job) or have a taxable scholarship you must file a tax return (either the 1040-NR EZ or 1040-NR) in addition to your tax report (form 8843).
- If you earned income and do not have a Social Security number, you will need to apply for a Tax I.D. Number (TIN OR ITIN) to file your tax forms. You do not need a TIN or ITIN if you already have a Social Security number OR if you did not earn any income during the tax year.
- To find out more information about how to apply for an ITIN number, call the UGA Payroll Department at 706-542-3431 or email Susan Caldwell [link to susanc@uga.edu ] to make an appointment with an advisor who can help you apply for the T.I.N. Please note that the IRS often takes a long time to process these numbers, so you should apply as soon as possible.
- When completing the IRS forms (8843, 1040-NR EZ, etc.), international students will need to refer closely to passport and visa information. Additionally, students who have worked in the U.S. will also need information included on any W-2 or 1042-S forms received from the students' employer.
- If you worked, but did not receive a W-2 form, you need to contact your employer for further information.
- If you have a scholarship or a tax treaty benefit for wages and/or scholarships, but did not receive a 1042-S from the University, you should contact that University's Business Office for your 1042-S form.) UGA's Business Office number for the 1042-S forms is 706-542-3431.
- If you worked or earned income in the U.S., you may also need to complete a STATE tax return as well. Email isltax@uga.edu for more information.
- If you have a spouse or dependents who 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).
- Federal Forms/Tax Returns and the GA State Returns are typically due on April 15th each year.
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STEP TWO: COMPLETE YOUR FEDERAL FORMS
I. Use CINTAX Software Program (Tax Preparation Assistance On-line)
CINTAX is a tax software program purchased by UGA for your use. This software helps International Students and scholars prepare their federal tax forms on-line through the computer. Individuals choosing this option will need to remember to print the tax forms out after completing the questions associated with the CINTAX program and mail the completed forms to the Internal Revenue Service. Persons wanting to use CINTAX should email taxpass@uga.edu from your UGA e-mail account to receive the password. PLEASE note the password may not be available until February of each tax year.
PLEASE NOTE:Students and scholars using CINTAX will also need to complete the state tax forms as well if they worked or received income during the tax year. See STEP THREE for more information. Scholars should plan to use the instruction booklet on-line in order to complete the state form.
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III. STEP THREE: COMPLETING THE STATE TAX FORM FOR STUDENTS
The International Tax Assistance Program (I-TAP) offers a variety of ways to complete your state tax forms. Some of these opportunities include free sessions, workshops, individual appointments, and walk-in hours. The following assistance listed below is for international students only. Scholars should contact Susan Caldwell in the Payroll Office for assistance with the state form. Please Choose ONE of the options below to complete your state tax form if required.
A. Georgia 500 (state tax form) Workshops
There will be several Georgia 500 (state form) workshops offered throughout the semester, including one weekend workshop. This workshop will include assistance with the Georgia 500 (state form) ONLY. Students must have completed their federal forms using CINTAX prior to attending this session. International Students will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. Students should bring their passport, visa, UGA ID card, COMPLETED federal tax forms as well as any W2s, 1042-s, 1099s, or other applicable governmental forms with them for this session. E-mail isltax@uga.edu starting in January to receive information regarding upcoming workshops.
B. Individual Appointments
Beginning in February of each tax year, UGA international students may request assistance with their Georgia Form 500 through individual appointments with members of the ISL Tax Team. The Georgia State Tax Form is needed ONLY if the individual has earned income during the tax year. In order to request an appointment, individuals should be UGA international students and should have already completed their federal tax forms using CINTAX (see STEP TWO). UGA international students may email isltax@uga.edu to request an individual appointment for assistance with the Georgia Form 500. Please wait between 2-3 days to receive an e-mail back due to the high volume of requests. Please do not make requests for appointments until February.
C. Walk-In Sessions During Coffee Hour:
Starting in February of each tax year, UGA international students are invited stop by Coffee Hour for walk-in assistance with the Georgia 500 Form (state form) ONLY. Coffee Hour is held each week in the Memorial Hall Ballroom from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The last appointment each week will be taken at 1:00 p.m. International students will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. Students MUST bring their completed Federal Tax Return with them to this session as well as their immigration documents.arting in February of each tax year, UGA international students are invited stop by Coffee Hour for walk-in assistance with the Georgia 500 Form (state form) ONLY.
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IV. STEP FOUR: Mailing Your Tax Forms
Make a copy of your completed tax forms and mail the originals (signed) BEFORE the April 15th deadline. Your federal forms will be mailed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and your state forms will be mailed to the Georgia Department of Revenue. Addresses can be found on the tax forms. You CANNOT send the materials electronically; all forms for non-residents must be submitted by mail.
Expectations for Participants Choosing to Receive Tax Assistance
ISL has the only program on campus that is Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) trained by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) specifically for non-resident tax issues. Additionally, we also have the longest running non-resident tax program on campus. Please, however, keep in mind that we are not tax experts. We are tax volunteers trained by the IRS on simple non-resident returns for international students. (For your information, a simple non-resident tax return completed by a professional tax preparer can cost $200 at a minimum!) ISL works very hard each year to provide UGA international students with this free program (so that you do not have to pay to have someone help you).
We also ask that you remember that ISL has a very small staff and can oftentimes receive and process more than 5,000 emails from February to April 15th each year concerning non-resident tax issues. That number excludes phone calls, visits, students attending general workshops, general questions, walk-in hours, and the regular business matters of the ISL office. Please know that we will work diligently each tax season to answer your emails and phone calls please plan ahead to allow us at least 3-5 business days to respond to your requests.
Please also understand that due to the complex nature of non-resident taxes, ISL staff may not be able to answer specific questions relating to your personal tax forms. Thank you in advance for your assistance as we work to provide you with this complimentary service.
Professional or Free Income Tax Preparation and Resources
Please note that ISL has made every attempt to insure the accuracy of the following information. However, information listed below is subject to change, without notice, according to the services offered by the organizations and businesses below.
H&R Block
Website: www.hrblock.com
1-800-HRBLOCK
WILL CHARGE. (Make sure to ask in advance what the exact charges will be!)
The Tax Shelter
Website: www.thetaxshelter.com
706-353-1711
MAY CHARGE.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
Website: www.jacksonhewitt.com
MAY CHARGE.
Accurate Accounting and Income Tax Service
Serving Athens and Surrounding Areas
Website: www.accurateaccounting.org
Phone: 706-353-2179
MAY CHARGE.
Free Tax Filing Resources for Non-Residents
University of Texas at Austin: www.utexas.edu/international/taxes/. Provides excellent step by step instructions that international students and scholars can follow. The University of Texas staff cannot help UGA students, but the web site is helpful information for everyone and a very useful guide.
Free State Income Tax Assistance for Georgia Income Tax Returns
Visit the Georgia Department of Revenue's: http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov/ website for more information concerning services and assistance provided.
Athens Department of Revenue Office
Located in Georgia Square Mall
706-542-6058
May help you fill out the GA state tax form via walk in appointments. MUST call before going for times.
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International Tax Assistance Program - FAQs
Q. Who should file?
International students who are non-residents for tax purposes are required by law to file a tax report (which is not the same thing as a tax return) with the U.S. federal government each year. Tax reports are recorded on federal form 8843. International students who earned income (in the form of wages and/or a scholarship) have the additional requirement of filing the tax report (form 8843) AND a tax return with the U.S. federal government and the Georgia Department of Revenue. Federal tax returns for non-residents are typically recorded on a form 1040 NR EZ or 1040 NR. Georgia tax returns for non-residents are typically filed on a GA 500 form.
Q. Which forms do I need to file my federal tax paperwork?
- Form 8843 - "Exempt" form to state that you are filing as a non-resident alien and that you are exempt from the Substantial Presence Test as an F-1 or J-1 student or an F-2 / J-2 dependent of a student.
- This form is REQUIRED for everyone who was physically present for part or all of the tax year, regardless of whether or not you earned income.
- Please keep in mind that the word “Exempt” on the 8843 form does NOT exempt you from paying taxes if you worked or received income.
- Also, if you have dependents living with you in the U.S., you MUST file form 8843 for each one of your dependents, including children, even if they did not work in the U.S. during the tax year.
- 1040NR-EZ or the 1040NR
- 1040NR-EZ: Non-Resident short form that is the Easy Version to be used by students who earned income during the tax year and who are NOT permitted to claim dependents. Tax Treaty benefits can also be recorded on this form.
- 1040NR: Non-Resident long form to be used by students who earned income during the tax year and who are from certain countries with tax treaty benefits that permit SOME countries to claim dependents. You should also use this form if you wish to claim charitable contributions made during the tax year.
Q. If I earned income during the tax year, what State forms do I need to complete?
- Georgia 500 Form: Non-residents for tax purposes must complete the Georgia 500 form (NOT the Georgia 500 EZ form) if they earned income during the tax year.
- If you worked in a state other than Georgia during the tax year, you will need to check with that state’s Department of Revenue in order to determine whether or not you need to complete tax forms for that particular state.
Q. When are the forms due to the U.S. government?
Federal Forms/Tax Returns and GA State Returns are due on April 15th each year. Form 8843 is due on June 15th each year.
Q. What additional documents and information do I need to have in order to complete my Federal Tax Return forms (if I earned income and/or wages)?
- W-2 Form: This form is sent to you from UGA Payroll Office (Business Services Building). This form indicates the actual amount of federal and state taxes withheld as well as your total wages you earned. You cannot file your federal and state forms without a W-2 form. If you worked at another place or institution, you will also need all W-2 forms from those agencies before you can complete your federal tax return forms.
- Passport and Visa Information: Federal forms will ask you for your student visa information such as your current status, and any change of status information. You must also have your passport and visa number to fill out the forms.
- Dates in U.S. from past 6 years in the U.S.: You must know the dates when you were present in the U.S. and how long you stayed in the U.S. for the last 6 years.
- Social Security Number or ITIN (Individual Tax I.D.) Number: If you (or your dependents residing with you in the U.S.) earned wages during the tax year and do not have a social security number, you must apply for an ITIN number through the Business Services (UGA Payroll) or IRS Office. Please note that it may take several months to receive the ITIN number, so please make plans to apply accordingly. You do NOT need an ITIN number or a social security number if you did not earn income during the tax year. If you already have a social security number, do NOT apply for a second one. The original number is assigned to you, so use that as your tax ID number on the federal and state forms.
- 1042-S (Scholarship Form): Students who receive scholarships or tax treaty exemptions will receive this form from the Payroll Office to document any withholding. You will need to include this with your federal tax form.
- Previous Year's Tax Forms: If you have filed taxes in the past, bring those forms to the ISL General Tax Workshops or to an individual advising session at the ISL Office.
Q. How can I get help with my non-resident tax forms?
Contact International Student Life and our Tax Team Volunteers by emailing isltax@uga.edu after reading the information contained in this website.
Q. I have been in the U.S. long enough to be considered a resident alien for tax purposes. How can I get help for filing my tax forms under this classification?
Visit the “Professional or Free Tax Preparation Services and Resources” portion of the website for more assistance as well as free options for tax help for resident forms.
