Annual Tax Filing Information for Foreign Nationals
Almost all International students and scholars who receive wages and/or fellowship/scholarships are required to file an annual Federal and North Carolina State tax return each year.
Deadline for filing your 2012 Tax Returns is April 15, 2013
Year End Tax Statements
Preparing your 2012 Tax Returns
Before you start preparing your 2012 tax returns be sure you have received all your year end tax statements. If you are not sure what tax statements you should receive review the description of each one above. If you file your tax return without all the appropriate tax statements you will need to file a corrected form and you could be liable for penalties.
Federal Income Tax form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ
Most students and employees in nonresident alien tax status will be able to use form 1040NR-EZ. To determine which form you will need to use, review the criteria on the IRS website.
NC State has obtained a license for the use of Windstar Tax Preparation Software, a web-based, tax preparation software designed exclusively for those in non-resident alien tax status in preparing their U.S. Federal Income Tax Return. This software is similar to products available to U.S. Citizens and resident aliens, such as Turbo Tax and Tax Cut. The user answers a series of questions and based on the answers the appropriate forms are completed.
Who can use Windstar?
Foreign Nationals who
- Were in non-resident alien tax status for 2012
- Are in the U.S. on a J-1 or F-1 visa
- Received a 2012 W-2 and/or 1042-S from NC State
How do I get access to the software?
For students in the Raleigh area, email us at foreignnationaltax.ncsu.edu
For students who are no longer in the Raleigh area who wish to purchase an access code, you can mail a check for $5.00, made payable to "NCSU", to NCSU, International Tax Section, Campus Box 7233, Raleigh, NC 27695. Include an email address along with your check and we will email you the access code and instructions as soon as we receive the check.
Anything else?
- One access code per person
- Students who are still employed on campus can have the $5.00 fee charged to their student account. All others must pay using cash or check. No credit/debit cards accepted.
- Access code will be valid for use through June 2013
- You will receive instructions on how to use the software when you purchase the code
- This software can only prepare your Federal Income Tax Return. You will still need to complete your North Carolina State Tax Return
Form 8843
All foreign nationals in nonresident alien tax status must complete Form 8843, Complete Part I and III only. Attach form 8843 to your income tax return. If you do not have to file an income tax return, send Form 8843 to the address indicated in the instructions for Form 8843 by April 15, 2012. Be sure the form is signed and dated. If you purchase an access code for the Windstar Tax Preparation Software mentioned above, the software will assist you with completing Form 8843.
North Carolina State Income Tax form D-400
Windstar Tax preparation software will assist you with your federal tax return. You will also need to complete a state tax return. To assist you with completing this return we have put together a guide. It is not meant to replace the instructions that are provided by the North Carolina Department of Revenue for completing your State tax return. It is meant to supplement those instructions.
Filing your 2012 North Carolina Income Tax Return
Need more help?
University payroll employees, including the International Employment & Taxation section, are not allowed to assist you with your tax returns. We are neither trained nor authorized to provide tax assistance.
Links
U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens - 2011 Publication 519 (most recent edition)
Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities - 2012 Publication 515
U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return - 2012 Form 1040 NR - Instuctions for Form 1040NR
North Carolina Individual Income Tax Return D-400 - Instructions for Form D-400
Phone Numbers
IRS International Tax Section 215-516-2000
NC Department of Revenue 877-252-4052
Additional Information
According to the Internal Revenue Service:
You do not need to file form 1040NR if....your wages were less than $3,800 AND you have no other need to file a return to claim a refund of over withheld taxes, to satisfy additional withholding at source or to claim income exempt or partly exempt by treaty...