Taxes for Graduates

This information is applicable to graduates for one year after they graduate.

Software:  

• As a graduate you will get an access code to Sprintax in mid-to late-February. 

• The only reason that you would not be able to use the Sprintax system, is if you are deemed to be a resident alien for tax purposes (having been in the US for more than 5 years).  In that case, you should seek the assistance of tax professional.  Sprintax will explain the process further.  You should also feel comfortable messaging their staff if needed with questions - they are tax professionals, unlike us the International Programs Office.

• If you are at a US graduate school - it is possible that they also provide tax assistance, or software options - make sure to check with your new International Student Adviser. 

W-2 from F&M: 

• You cannot obtain your W-2 wage statements from Inside F&M as a graduate.  Per law, the W-2s were mailed to your permanent home addresses.  If you are unable to locate your W-2 via mail back home (and have it scanned to you if you are not at home), here's what you need to do if you worked for trhe College in the previous calendar year:

  • • • **E-mail payroll@fandm.edu to request an electronic copy.  

      • Provide your F&M ID# and the last four digits of your SSN. 

      • You need to specifically consent to F&M sending you a scanned copy via e-mail, since this is confidential data.  Say something like "I authorize F&M to release this document to me via email."   Please allow at least 1 week for the Business Office to get back to you. 

Other Tax Documents:  

Some of you will recall receiving a Form 1042-S tax statement every year.  

• This form is related to tax paid when financial aid covers room and board costs  

• OR  if you received a departmental award that took taxes out of the award amount on the front end.  

• We can electronically send them to you (or send them within the US if you are still here) with your consent.  ISS will rexeive the forms by early-March, and we will be in touch then.   The 1042S only is applied to your federal (Sprintax-completed) taxes.  

• Please note that you might have other documents from other sources if you had investments or other income sources and should record them as necessary.  Forms 1098T (educational costs) and 1095B (health insurance) do not apply to international students.  

State Taxes:  

• A sample PA-40 will be available on our website, and you will be able to access it to complete by hand.  

• You need to complete PA taxes if you earned more than $33 in PA in the previous  calendar year.  

• Please note, that if you earned money in another state in the previous calendar year (via an internship or OPT) you will need to figure out what forms to do.  Asking colleagues is a good way to find out at least what the form is called, or by going to a tax professional - most states do not have separate tax forms for non-resident aliens for tax purposes.

You MIGHT have to also complete a local tax return if you earned money while on OPT - please check with your company to understand how your municipality handles this practice - every town is different! Speaking with neighbors or coworkers is a good way to learn about this.

Mailing your Documents:  

• Yes, you still need to mail the documents to the appropriate places (unless the software tells you that you are eligible for electornic filing):

• Sprintax will tell you where to mail your federal tax return on the first page (make sure to attach applicable W2, 1042S, and other statements if you have them). Don't forget to sign where it asks for it!

• PA State Taxes:  Make sure to sign and attach W2s or other wage statements (not the 1042S).  You most likely will break even if you only worked on campus. (if you do not, you should check the PA department of revenue's site for other addresses) This means that lines 28 and 29 are zero on your PA-40:

PA DEPT OF REVENUE

NO PAYMENT OR NO REFUND

2 REVENUE PLACE

HARRISBURG  PA  17129-0002