ALL F-1 / J-1 VISA HOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO FILE A FEDERAL TAX RETURN - regardless of whether you DID or DIDN'T have any taxable income in 2008. You may owe taxes or you may be eligible for a refund. This depends on how much taxable income you had, how much tax you paid, and whether you are able to claim benefits of a tax treaty between your home country and the US. If you did not have any taxable income, you must still submit IRS Form 8843 to report your days of presence in the US.

The OISA has purchased CINTAX access for Grinnell's nonresident students, staff & faculty. CINTAX is a web-based system designed exclusively to help international students and scholars prepare U.S. Federal Income Tax Forms: 8843, 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ. *J visa holders should consult their sponsor.

As a CINTAX user, it is YOUR responsibility to:

• Watch your mail for tax forms (W-2; 1042 S; etc.) that you need to use CINTAX;
• Follow the CINTAX instructions so the program will correctly 'complete' your tax returns (Form 8843; and Federal Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ);
• Print the completed returns and make a photo copy for your records;
• Attach the appropriate documentation (W-2, 1042S, etc) and mail them to the IRS;
• Ensure that your Tax return is postmarked on or before the April 15th due date.

If you would like to participate in an optional CINTAX HELP SESSION, sign up in the OISA by Friday, March 13, and we will contact you with the time, date, & location.

STATE TAX RETURNS The Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) site offers links to State returns and instructions: http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/link/forms.html An Iowa return is required if your '08 Adjusted Gross Income exceeded $9000. State of Iowa form IA1040 & instructions are available at: http://www.state.ia.us/tax/forms/indinc.html.

*If you are a RESIDENT for tax purposes, the CINTAX program will identify that fact and you will be 'kicked out' of the program. In this case, you will need to complete your returns as a 'resident filer' and can do so on your own. You can fine basic assistance or use e-file at http://www.irs.gov/.

*If you do not want to use CINTAX and would rather complete and file these forms on your own, they are available on the IRS web site. Note that most on-line tax preparation systems, including the Federal E-file options, are NOT appropriate or accurate for non-resident tax filers!