This site is intended to aid international students at Purdue University with preparing your federal and state tax returns for 2024 (Due in 2025). The resources are provided through ISS/Glacier and the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program administered by the United Way and the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business to help you prepare and file your 2024 federal and state tax returns.
Please note that the information on this website should only be used by international students at Purdue University's main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. All resources are provided on a volunteer basis, except those provided through tax@purdue.edu.
Please read the text on each page in its entirety to ensure you do not miss any important points. Be sure you have all applicable forms before starting your tax return (like Forms W-2, 1042-S, 1099, etc.).
Your tax returns must be filed (mailed or electronically filed) no later than April 15, 2025.
Nonresident aliens file a Form 1040NR return (which must be mailed after completing in Glacier Tax Prep). Nonresident aliens also file state tax returns and mail them.
Resident aliens file a Form 1040 (which the IRS recommends you file electronically to expedite processing). Resident aliens should electronically file state tax returns if possible.
Do not be in a hurry to file your tax return; file the correct tax return the first time.
Even if you submitted a valid tax treaty that Purdue University allowed and are receiving a Form 1042-S showing tax-exempt income, you MUST still file a U.S. tax return to complete the treaty process. The IRS provides final approval of all treaties allowed for U.S. payers and can disallow a treaty if a tax return is not filed to report it.
You will probably need to file BOTH a federal tax return and a state tax return. If you are a nonresident alien, we have two separate systems for these returns (federal is Glacier Tax Prep and state is a Purdue State Tax Prep Module).
You will need to use the Glacier system to determine if you are a NONRESIDENT ALIEN or RESIDENT ALIEN as this determination will affect which tax returns you file. You can access the Glacier system by clicking here . Glacier will list your tax status as either a nonresident alien or resident alien, and you will follow different steps below depending on your tax status (filing different forms). If you do not have a Glacier account through Purdue University, please email tax@purdue.edu for additional help.
NONRESIDENT ALIENS: CLICK HERE to find steps on how to prepare and file your federal and state tax returns as a Nonresident Alien.
International students who have been in the U.S. for 5 years or less are usually classified as nonresident aliens, although you will want to confirm your tax status in Glacier. Please note that most calendar years or portions of calendar years count when adding up to the 5 years. Some visa statuses only require your presence in the U.S. for 2 years prior to receiving resident alien status, and the Glacier system will help you make this determination. If you are a nonresident alien according to your Glacier account at the end of this past calendar year you must file a nonresident tax return. NOTE: most commercial software and filing services DO NOT have the capability to prepare and file a 1040NR tax return. If you file the incorrect form, you will have to amend your tax return and likely pay money back to the IRS. ALL NONRESIDENT ALIENS MUST FILE FORMS WITH THE IRS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY HAVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR.
RESIDENT ALIENS: CLICK HERE to find steps on how to prepare and file your federal and state tax returns as a Resident Alien.
International students who have been in the U.S. for more than 5 years are generally classified as resident aliens, although you will want to confirm your tax status in Glacier. Please note that most calendar years or portions of calendar years count when adding up to the 5 years. If you were a resident alien at the end of the calendar year, you can electronically file your return with a software program, complete forms found at www.irs.gov , or pay a tax professional to prepare your return. You will file a Form 1040 and any applicable state returns. Fellowship money not on a 1042-S may still need to be reported on your return as income.
You may qualify for free tax preparation services through the IRS VITA program administered through the United Way of Greater Lafayette and the Daniels School of Business. If you qualify for these services, you can either set up an appointment to have an IRS-certified volunteer prepare your taxes for free or use an online system to prepare and file your taxes for free. For more details and to determine if you're eligible for these services, please click here.
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions by clicking here.