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Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
Do I really need to file a tax form?
ALL international students and scholars who were present in the U.S. at any point in the calendar year are required to submit a tax document. If you did not receive any income in the U.S., you will only need to file Form 8843. If you did receive income in the tax year, you should file tax forms (such as Form 1040-NR or 1040S-NR) alongside a Form 8843. Glacier Tax Prep (GTP) is provided by UT for those who are non-resident aliens for tax purposes.
Do I need a Social Security Number or ITIN before filing taxes?
Yes, if you receive income in the U.S., you should have already applied for and received a social security number (SSN). If you are not eligible for a SSN but have taxable income such as a scholarship you will need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Can ISSS help me or my dependent apply for an ITIN?
ISSS can assist students and scholars with ITIN applications however, we are unable to assist with dependent ITIN applications. In most cases if you are making income in the U.S. you will receive a SSN. Those who need an ITIN are typically student athletes with taxable scholarships and no additional income. The IRS website contains information on the ITIN process as well.
How do I obtain my W-2?
If you are employed by UT, you should be able to access your W-2 on your
MyUTK or directly through the payroll website.
How do I obtain my 1042-S?
Your 1042-S should be available on Glacier and pre-populate when filing your tax forms.
Why did I get a W-2, but not a 1042-S?
If you received any U.S. income, you should receive a W-2. If you did not receive a 1042-S, you may not be eligible to receive one — and that is okay! You may receive a 1042-S if your wages are subject to tax exemption by a tax treaty or if you received a taxable scholarship.
Why do I owe taxes?
If you make any income in the U.S., you are required to pay taxes on that
income. Normally, tax is automatically deducted from your paycheck. In some cases, you may owe taxes at the end of the year because not enough tax was withheld. Your employer will calculate this deduction with Form W-4. Glacier will populate form W-4 correctly, so it is recommended to update your record on Glacier, download the W-4 that it creates, and send it to your employer.
Do I need to file taxes with the state of Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee does not require a state tax return. If you made income in a state other than Tennessee, you should research the filing requirements with that state.
Do I qualify as a resident or non-resident alien for federal tax purposes?
Residency for tax purposes is determined by the Substantial Presence Test. You can review the stipulations of the substantial presence test on the IRS website, but luckily, Glacier does the work for you! Once you fill out your information on Glacier, the website will determine your residency for tax purposes.
How do I use Glacier Tax Prep to complete my tax return?
Glacier Tax Prep (GTP) will assist non-resident aliens to complete their tax return forms. Follow the steps and answer the questions on the website and GTP will prepare the tax forms for you. Each page has a sidebar that defines some terms that may confuse you. GTP has a FAQ page that may answer questions specific to you. You can also send questions to the GTP staff via the “HELP” link.
What online programs can I use as a Resident Alien for Tax Purposes?
The IRS has listed some options available for free if your income is under a certain threshold. You should carefully consider multiple options to file your tax return to make sure the service you are using is trustworthy and has a good reputation.
When are tax forms due?
Tax forms for income received in 2022 are due April 18th, 2023.
I found out I am a non-resident alien for tax purposes but filed taxes with Turbo Tax as a resident alien last year. What do I do?
You may have filed incorrect forms under the incorrect residency status. It is recommended you take appropriate steps to amend your taxes. There is some information on the GTP website on amending your tax return, but you may also want to pursue assistance from a tax professional.
I did not receive any income in the past year. Do I still need to file a tax form?
If you did not make any income, and you were physically present in the United States at any time in 2021, all you will need to do is complete Form 8843. The form is very simple and can be completed without the assistance of GTP
Do my dependents in F-2 or J-2 status need to file form 8843 as well?
Yes, even if they did not earn income. Each dependent should fill out a form 8843(or a parent/guardian can fill out a form for them) and mail them in separate envelopes to this address:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215
Can my ISSS advisor help me with my taxes?
Unfortunately, ISSS advisors are not trained in tax law and cannot provide assistance in filling out taxes. However, Glacier offers Webinars with their own Tax Professionals during tax season. Please login to Glacier and check the announcements at the bottom of the page. If a webinar is scheduled, information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting will be provided there.
What happens if I complete my forms incorrectly?
Don’t worry! Your only obligation is to file; if you make a mistake, you will be notified. A mistake in your filing will not impact your immigration status in any way. Do your best, keep copies, and submit on time!