Ibrahim Gardner
If you are an international student in Boston, you may need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax filing purposes. Whether you need an SSN or an ITIN depends on whether you have received taxable employment compensation or taxable stipends or scholarships. You can apply for an SSN at the Social Security Office, and you can apply for an ITIN by filling out a W-7 form. Additionally, you may need to file federal and state tax returns, which can be done through the IRS and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, respectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to file taxes? | International students and scholars who were physically present in the U.S. at any time between January 1 and December 31 of a given year. |
| What are the requirements for filing taxes? | The number and type of forms to be completed depend on whether the student earned income during the year, the type of income received, and the length of time spent in the U.S. |
| What are the different types of income? | Income includes wages, scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships that cover housing and meal expenses. |
| What are the different types of tax forms? | Form W-2, Form 1042-S, Form 1099, Form 1040NR, Form 8843, Form W-7, Form 1098-T, and others. |
| What is the process for obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN)? | F-1 international students with on-campus jobs are eligible for an SSN. The application is done in person at the Social Security Office, and there is no fee. |
| What is an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)? | An ITIN is required for tax filing if the student does not qualify for an SSN. Sprintax assists with the W-7 application for ITIN. |
| Are there any tax exemptions for international students? | Students from countries with tax treaties with the U.S. may be eligible to exempt a portion of their earnings from taxes. |
| Are there any tax resources or support available? | Boston University and Boston College offer access to Sprintax, a software for non-residents to prepare tax returns. The IRS also provides resources and has an office in Boston. |
| What is the deadline for filing taxes? | The federal tax return is due by April 15 of the following calendar year. |
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What You'll Learn
Getting a Social Security Number (SSN)
International students in Boston who have worked in the US and received taxable employment compensation must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for tax filing purposes. If you have previously been assigned an SSN, you can use the same number to file your tax forms.
F-1 international students who have secured a job on campus are eligible to apply for an SSN. J-1 students and scholars may apply for an SSN before securing employment. Students with unpaid internships are not required to have an SSN but are eligible to apply.
To apply for an SSN, follow these steps:
- Obtain an on-campus work permission letter from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
- Bring the "Statement Concerning F-1 Student's Application for an SSN" form to the OISS. The work permission letter will be provided in 1-3 days.
- Apply for an SSN in person at the Social Security Office. Be sure to ask for a receipt. There is no fee for this application.
- Your Social Security card will be shipped to the address provided on your application within approximately two weeks.
- Bring your SSN receipt and go to the Human Resource Service Center to complete your tax forms.
If you have not received taxable income, you will need to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Sprintax can assist with this process.
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Applying for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
As an international student in Boston, you may need to file a federal tax return. If you have received taxable stipends or scholarships that are not considered employment compensation and you are not eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), then you will need to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
You can apply for an ITIN by mail, in person, or by submitting Form W-7 with your tax return. You can also contact an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent or make an appointment with the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. If you are a student at Boston University, you can use Sprintax to assist you in preparing the W-7 form in addition to your other tax forms, so that you can apply for the ITIN and file your tax return at the same time.
If you are a Boston College student, you can use the access codes provided by the OISS to file your federal taxes for free. However, you will need to pay an additional fee for state forms.
If you need help completing your tax forms, you can contact a tax provider, but make sure they have foreign national tax expertise. You can also hire a lawyer to assist you in reporting your taxes and filing your forms.
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Understanding tax treaties
International students and scholars in Boston on F-1 visas are considered "exempt individuals" or "non-residents" for tax purposes, even if they have been in the United States for more than 183 days. However, once they exceed the "exempt individual" status, they become residents for tax purposes, and the number of tax forms they need to complete and submit increases.
The United States has tax treaties with several countries, and international students from these countries may be eligible to exempt a portion of their earnings from taxes. These treaties are agreements between the United States and other countries to avoid double taxation and facilitate tax compliance for individuals and businesses with cross-border activities.
If you are an international student in Boston, you may be eligible to sign a tax treaty depending on your country of origin. Students from countries with tax treaties with the United States can benefit from reduced tax rates or exemptions on certain types of income, such as wages or scholarships. To find out if your income is eligible for any tax treaty benefits, you should contact your university's payroll office or the relevant government department. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and guidance on the tax treaty process.
It is important to note that the requirements and benefits of tax treaties vary depending on the specific agreement between the United States and your country of origin. In some cases, you may need to submit additional documentation or meet certain criteria to claim the benefits of the tax treaty. Additionally, the process for claiming tax treaty benefits may differ depending on your university or employer. Therefore, it is essential to seek specific advice from your university or a tax specialist familiar with non-resident taxes.
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State and federal tax returns
International students and scholars who were physically present in the US between January 1 and December 31 of a given tax year must complete and submit some type of federal tax form. This is the case even if you did not have a source of income from the US. The federal tax return must be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
If you are a non-resident for tax purposes, you can use Sprintax to prepare Form 8843 and your federal tax returns at no charge. If you have earned income in other US states, you can also use Sprintax to complete state non-resident tax forms for a fee of $39.
The state tax return must be submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and/or the state agency in any other US state where you have received income in a given year. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue website lists many free filing options for your state taxes.
The city of Boston also provides a free service to those who are residents for tax purposes and make under a certain income. If you decide to contact a tax accountant or attorney, make sure they specialize in taxes for non-residents if you are a non-resident.
If you worked in the US and received taxable employment compensation, you must have a Social Security Number (SSN) for tax filing purposes. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you will need to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
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Tax service providers
There are several tax service providers that can help you complete your tax forms. However, it is important to ask them if they have foreign national tax expertise. Some providers, such as H&R Block, offer discounts for students on their initial completion of state and federal tax returns. They have non-resident tax specialists available at the following location:
H&R Block
177 Brighton Ave Allston, 02134
Phone: 617-254-6207
Alternatively, you can hire a lawyer to assist you in reporting your taxes and filing your forms. You can find listings in a phone directory or on websites such as www.superpages.com under categories like "tax returns, consultants, and representatives".
If you are considered a non-resident for tax purposes, there are free tax help options available through the IRS VITA Program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). There are locations near Boston College in Brighton and Allston that provide assistance to those making less than $67,000. Some locations offer help in languages other than English, such as Spanish and Chinese.
You can also visit the local IRS office in Boston, which is located on the 7th floor of the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in Government Center, at 15 New Sudbury St. Appointments can be made by calling (844) 545-5640.
Additionally, Boston University has purchased licenses for Sprintax, a web-based tax return preparation system designed to help international students and scholars determine their "tax residence" status and prepare their tax forms. Similarly, Boston College has purchased a limited number of access codes for Sprintax, which are available to international students and scholars for filing federal taxes.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have worked in the U.S. and received taxable employment compensation, you must have an SSN for tax filing purposes. F-1 international students who have secured a job on campus are eligible for an SSN. J-1 students and scholars may apply for an SSN before securing employment.
You need to apply in person at the Social Security Office. Be sure to ask for a receipt. You will not get the Social Security card when you apply. It will be shipped to the address you provide on your application in approximately two weeks.
If you don't have an SSN, you must use an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax filing purposes. If you have filed US tax forms before and were assigned an ITIN, you should use the same ITIN to file again.
Boston University and Boston College have purchased access codes for Sprintax, a web-based tax return preparation system designed to help international students and scholars determine their tax residence status for tax purposes. The city of Boston also provides a free service to those who are residents for tax purposes and make under a certain income.
