Each spring, individuals who lived in the United States the previous year are required to report their total earned income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These reports are known as tax returns. After reviewing an individual’s tax return, the IRS determines whether a person has paid too much or too little in taxes during the previous year. Students studying at UCA on an F or J visa are required to file tax returns for the years they were studying in the U.S.
If a person has not paid enough taxes, the individual is required to pay that amount to the IRS. If a person has paid too much in taxes, the individual will receive a refund of the extra amount from the government. This is known as a tax refund.
Please note that the staff in the Center for Global Learning & Engagement are not tax experts and cannot directly answer any personal or specific tax questions. The Center for Global Learning and Engagement offers two different services to assist our students in filing their tax returns: Arkansas Asset Builders’ free tax assistance program and Sprintax Tax Prep Software.
Both services are provided so that students can easily and correctly file their tax returns on-time and with as little stress as possible. Please see below for more information on your tax responsibility.
Should You File A Tax Return?
All international students have a responsibility to file tax returns if they were in the United States for the previous year. However, not all students file taxes in the same way. Below are the most common scenarios for international students.
- I did not work or receive a scholarship covering more than my tuition while in the United States last year.
- I received U.S. income through employment while in the United States last year (received W-2 Form).
- I received a U.S. scholarship that paid more than my tuition while in the United States last year (received 1042-S Form).
Note: Every student’s tax return is different. The Center for Global Learning and Engagement cannot guarantee that every student who files a tax return will receive a tax refund.
Filing Your Tax Return
The Center for Global Learning and Engagement offers two different types of free resources to assist students in filing their tax returns:
Arkansas Asset Builders
The Center for Global Learning and Engagement partners with Arkansas Asset Builders to provide FREE on-campus assistance, with trained volunteers certified by the IRS to assist international students with their taxes. We will provide numerous on-campus sessions where students receive assistance in filing their taxes. The times, dates, and locations of these sessions will be sent to students via email, listed in the Weekly Newsletter and also on social media channels.
Sprintax Tax Prep Software
Sprintax Tax Prep Software is also an option for international students who cannot attend a workshop hosted by Arkansas Asset Builders. While the software usually costs money, CGLE provides a discount code to students who would like to use this software.
Caution!
- Do not use a tax service other than the two resources listed above. Many local businesses are not familiar with non-resident tax returns and may file your forms incorrectly! If an audit shows you have filed your tax returns incorrectly, you may be subject to financial penalties, as well as create difficulties in receiving a future visa.
- International students are not eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, and do not receive a 1098-T Form. Please do not attempt to file a 1098-T form, as it may subject you to financial penalties, as well as create difficulties in receiving a future visa.
State Tax Returns
Generally, if you earned income, you will be required to file a tax return in state where income was earned. Income sources can be from wages from a job, taxable scholarships, or stipends.
If you had NO income: If you did not work and did not receive a taxable scholarship, you do not need to file a state tax return.
Both tax resources provided by CGLE can assist you in determining if you must file a state tax return.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions about Taxes
“What YOU need to know about U.S. income taxes” Arkansas Asset Builders Presentation