International Employees

Yes, it is spam! If it includes a link to a web site, do NOT click on it as it may download a virus on your computer. The IRS will only reach out to you via a US Postal Service letter. They will never never never ask for credit card information, pin numbers, SSN and/or ITIN through email.

Bowdoin College offers GLACIER Tax Prep, a free tax filing software for our international students, scholars and guests who are Nonresident Aliens.  Although not recommended because of unique Nonresident Alien situations, you may also seek assistance of an outside professional tax preparer.  We regret that Bowdoin staff cannot advise you on your individual taxes.

Resident Aliens may wish to use myfreetaxes an online software that assists with tax returns at no charge.  Other free tax preparations services are listed at the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service web site.  There are also fee based tax software programs available online such as Turbo Tax or H&R Block At Home.

Tax Return Filing Deadline: This year’s tax filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15^th, but we highly encourage you to complete your tax return(s) well before the deadline – a good target date could be Friday, March 6^th (i.e., before Spring break).

You will receive an email from the Controller’s Office when the software is available, generally by March 15; this email will contain a link to GLACIER Tax Prep and instructions on how to access the software. You may also access the software via the link near the top of this page.

GLACIER Tax Prep will help you:

• determine your U.S. residency status for tax filing purposes. Note: Even though you are a Nonresident Alien for immigration purposes, you may be a U.S. Resident for tax filing purposes. GLACIER Tax Prep will determine this for you.
• collect information about your income to determine if you are eligible for a tax exemption based on a tax treaty.
• ensure all applicable deductions or allowances are applied.
• prepare the correct tax forms applicable to your situation.
• provide instructions on which documents to attach to the tax return and when and where to mail the tax return.

A Resident Alien for Tax purposes is treated in the same manner as a U.S. citizen when filing a tax return and paying taxes; a Resident Alien for Tax purposes must report ALL income from ALL sources, regardless of whether from the U.S. or foreign payers. A Nonresident Alien for Tax purposes has a completely different method of having tax withheld, completing tax forms and tax documents, and is eligible for limited deductions and allowances when paying taxes; a Nonresident Alien for Tax purposes reports and pays tax on money that he or she received from U.S. sources only.

Resident Aliens may wish to use myfreetaxes an online software that assists with tax returns at no charge.  Other free tax preparations services are listed at the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service web site.  There are also fee based tax software programs available online such as Turbo Tax or H&R Block At Home.

Yes, the requirement to file a federal tax return is based on receiving income from U.S. sources – not solely on receiving a paycheck. Other types of income may include free housing, travel to/from a conference, scholarship, stipend, prize, and award. As a general rule, if you did not receive any income from U.S. Sources, you are not required to file a U.S. tax return; however, if you are a Nonresident Alien who is present in the U.S. under an F, J, M or Q immigration status, you are required to file Form 8843, regardless of whether or not you have received any income.

Nonresident Aliens are not required to report or pay tax on money that they received from sources outside the United States. Resident Alien for Tax purposes must include income from ALL sources (both U.S. and foreign) on the U.S. tax return.

Yes, any individual who works in the U.S. as an employee is required to obtain a SSN. Individuals who complete a tax return in GLACIER Tax Prep and do not have an SSN will be prompted to complete Form W-7 to apply for an ITIN in connection with the filing of the tax return.

The forms that you receive depend on the facts of your particular situation. In general,

W-2 Wage and Tax Statement –

• If you earned income in the tax filing year and you did not claim a tax treaty exemption, you will need your W-2 Form from Bowdoin or from the employer under whom you earned income in the tax filing year.

Form 1042-S –

• A Nonresident Alien student or scholar who was employed and was exempt under a tax treaty in the tax filing year will receive a Form 1042-S.
• A Nonresident Alien student or scholar who received a taxable fellowship/award/stipend in the tax filing year will receive a 1042-S.
• A Nonresident Alien who received a non-employee service payment will receive a 1042-S.

Form 1099 –

• In some cases you may receive a Form 1099 (DIV, G, INT, or MISC). Generally Nonresident Aliens should not receive such forms; however, if you do, you may use the information on the form to complete GLACIER Tax Prep.

You should not receive Form 1098-T; however, if you do receive the form, retain with your copy of your tax return. Do not enter the information in GLACIER Tax Prep.

No. GLACIER Tax Prep is only available to Nonresident Aliens.

Resident Aliens may wish to use myfreetaxes an online software that assists with tax returns at no charge.  Other free tax preparations services are listed at the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service web site.  There are also fee based tax software programs available online such as Turbo Tax or H&R Block At Home.

If you have questions or need assistance, please click on “Online Help” at the bottom of any screen in GLACIER Tax Prep. DO NOT include your social security number or ITIN in your message. ALL support questions are handled by GLACIER Tax Prep Support via the “Online Help” feature; no phone calls will be accepted.