Since all nonresident international students and scholars (and their dependents) who were physically within the United States must file tax paperwork, this website was developed to offer you some resources to help you file your tax returns or answer tax related questions.
These resources are not affiliated with the University of Minnesota or International Student and Scholar Services and have not been vetted. Notification of a resource should not be construed as an endorsement by the University of Minnesota. We are aware of these resources, but it is fully any student's responsibility to investigate and choose whether or not to utilize its services.
Some of the resources listed below charge for their services. We recommend that you compare costs prior to making a decision.
ISSS will not be offering a tax orientation or contracting with a specific tax vendor to provide international students access this year. We regret the inconvenience this might cause, but this decision was necessary due to circumstances beyond our control.
Students can receive free support for preparing taxes through the Non-resident Tax Clinics described below. These clinics often fill up and reservations are required, so sign up early. We will announce in the ISSS Weekly Update when the Tax Clinics begin taking appointments.
ISSS advisors and staff cannot give tax advice or assistance.
A student or scholar’s tax status may be different from your immigration status. Depending on your tax residency you may have different tax requirements, exemptions, and forms to complete. For more information on how to determine your tax residency visit the IRS website, Introduction to Residency Under US Tax Law. The IRS also has a Tax Guide nonresident tax filers.
In general, students in F or J status are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes for the first five calendar years of their stay in the US. Scholars in J status are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes for the first two calendar years of their stay. For help with determining your tax status, you can a Tax Software, such as Glacier & Sprintax.
For students who work at the university or receive a scholarship or fellowship may find these resources helpful.
Nonresident Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (NRVTAP) - The Nonresident Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (NRVTAP) provides free tax services to qualifying international students and scholars at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, and Rochester campuses. Appointments are given on a first come, first serve basis and more information about NRVTAP's services can be found at www.nrvtap.com. Appointments are limited, and they will not be made available until early 2021.
Most tax softwares can help you determine your tax status, prepare nonresident tax forms for individuals who have not earned income or filing Federal income tax returns. Some tax softwares prepare state returns depending on the company.
You can also access Sprintax’s resources such as the Sprintax Blog and YouTube Videos that all open for any international student to access covering important topics related to nonresident tax. Sprintax will also offer the following informational webinars that will cover an overview of nonresident tax for international students and scholars to learn more about their filing obligations:
Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VTAP) - These clinics should only be used by individuals preparing resident tax returns.
GW Carter, Ltd Certified Public Accountants - Dual year returns and complicated tax situations for resident and nonresident tax preparers.
