INTERNATIONAL TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Yes! Every international student in the United States is required to file tax paperwork, even if they have not worked.

No- if you are considered a Non-Resident for Tax Purposes. The discounted Sprintax software provided by ISL is the only tax software that UGA’s non-resident international students should use. Other programs may give you incorrect paperwork and require amended tax returns at a later date. ISL is only able to provide support to non-residents for tax purposes who utilize Sprintax software.

While making a mistake on your return is not necessarily a big deal, it is important that you rectify the situation by filing an amended tax return, where appropriate. If you realize that you made an error on a tax return you already filed, or you have come across new information (for example you received an additional W-2 or 1042-S), simply file an amended nonresident tax return to make a correction.

Nonresidents who file their tax returns with form 1040 (which is for U.S. citizens and residents) instead of the return for nonresidents (Form 1040NR) may claim credits or take deductions to which they are not entitled. This means their tax return will be inaccurate and they could get into trouble with the IRS later on.

NOTE: most of the online tax filing solutions like TurboTax and H&R Block do not support NRA tax returns. If you filed online, most certainly you filed as a resident alien.

Due to the large volume of international tax assistance requests in years past, ISL, along with the other universities in Georgia, have determined that providing the Sprintax program was the most cost and time effective approach to providing quality and accurate assistance to international students and scholars. As such, the cost of providing Federal filing codes and running the ITAP program with workshop volunteers requires financial resources. The $10 fee assessed by ITAP helps ISL offset the costs associated  with this service. It is important to understand that tax assistance for anyone typically costs some sort of fee. ISL is committed to keeping this fee as low as possible while also accounting for expected costs with running this service.

Yes! After registering for ITAP and purchasing a Sprintax code, you will receive information on how to sign up for Sprintax workshops held either in-person or Zoom. Note that ISL Staff ARE NOT tax professionals. We are able to assist with general questions related to Sprintax. 

You will need to file resident forms. Unfortunately, ISL cannot assist students who need to file resident tax forms. Resident tax forms are available online or at local libraries, or you can use software like Turbo Tax. There also are free online tax software programs at the federal IRS website for resident tax issues.

Each student’s situation is unique. Tax return results can vary due to income differences, tax treaty details, and days present in the USA. ISL strongly advises you from comparing your results with others, as it will often lead to confusion and unnecessary concern.

Scammers often send fake IRS or UGA emails, appearing genuine with “irs.gov” or “irsservices@uga.edu” addresses. These phishing attempts use subject lines like “Tax Refund Payment” and ask for personal details via a link—avoid clicking these links.

If you get such an email, don’t click any links. Instead, save the email using “save as” and forward it as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov. Remember, the IRS won’t initiate email contact without consent. While they may email if you’ve provided your address, they won’t include links for refunds or request sensitive details like SSN or bank info. For further queries, contact the International Tax Assistance Program at isltax@uga.edu.

Here is a list of mailing locations in Athens. You can buy envelopes and postage at these locations. We also recommend getting a tracking number, so you will know if your forms were delivered. The IRS will not contact you to confirm receipt of forms.