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Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Taxes

Tax Information

Each year, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that all workers file a tax return due on April 15 of the following year. As a nonresident alien, you are also required to file a tax return, which is sometimes called Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ. 

The Ohio State University uses a secure online international tax compliance software called Sprintax Calculus. Sprintax Calculus captures the information required to determine the actual tax status of an international person. All international persons who are not U.S. residents and who are receiving payments from Ohio State are required to have a Sprintax profile. Therefore, a Sprintax profile is required even if an international employee, student, scholar or visitor meets the definition of a Resident Alien for Tax Purposes. 

Sprintax Calculus

As a foreign national, understanding your U.S. tax requirements can be challenging. That’s why the university provides access to Sprintax Calculus. Sprintax Calculus is a web-based program used to determine your tax residency status and ensure your pay is taxed correctly. Once you are identified as nonresident alien, you will receive an activation email directing you to log in and complete your Sprintax Calculus profile. Later, when it is time to file your annual tax return, you may use Sprintax Returns, which is a separate program designed specifically for preparing and filing federal and state tax returns. If you use Sprintax Returns, you may need to print, sign and mail your forms unless you qualify to e-file.  

For detailed information regarding Nonresident Alien Taxation and Sprintax Calculus, visit the Office of Business and Finance Nonresident Alien Taxation web page or contact the Tax Office at tax@osu.edu. If you have not received your username and password for Sprintax Calculus, please submit a request with your formal first and last name, your OSU ID# and your email address to HR Connection(opens in new window).  The Office of International Affairs is not able to assist with tax-related questions.

Completing your tax return

To complete your tax return, you will need some basic information about your employer and detailed information about how much income you earned over the past year. As a nonresident alien, you will receive this information through Form 1042-S; U.S. citizens receive this information through Form W-2.

Ohio State is required to furnish your yearly 1042-S by March 15 of the following year. You may elect to receive your 1042-S online through Sprintax. Otherwise, you will receive a copy of Form 1042-S by U.S. mail.

Some nonresident aliens may receive both a W-2 and a 1042-S. If this applies to you, then you may refer to W-2 Online for instructions on how you can access your W-2 through the ePayroll system.

Form 8843 is required for nonresident aliens who are present in the United States under an F, J, M or Q immigration status regardless of whether or not you have received any income.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) information

An ITIN number is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), not the Social Security Administration. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but do not have and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number from the Social Security Administration. ITINs are for federal tax reporting purposes only. To learn more about ITIN numbers, please visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You may also call the IRS at +1 215-516-2000 (at the prompt, press two then four for questions about obtaining an ITIN).

To apply for an ITIN number, please contact iss@osu.edu for further instructions.

Tax season assistance

Sprintax is hosting free educational tax webinars that will be available to nonresidents prior to and during the U.S. tax filing season. You may register for a session that works well for you.

Sprintax blogpost and YouTube channel

International students and scholars may want to refer to the Sprintax blogpost and YouTube channel which provides additional information.

How are people notified about taxes they should pay?

Sometime in January and March of each year, universities and other employers send W-2 or 1042-S forms (tax statements) to current and former workers, telling them how much money has been held back from their pay or scholarship award checks for taxes. You will receive a tax form from any source of interest or income you have received. This information is used by the employee to complete and submit tax forms. If additional taxes are owed, the amount owed is submitted with the tax forms. If too much tax has been withheld, the IRS will issue a refund.

What federal tax forms should be filed?

Most international students and J-1 scholars should file a special tax form (1040 NR or 1040 NR-EZ) along with Form 8843. If a tax treaty exemption is being claimed, form 8233 must also be submitted. These are the tax forms for non-residents.

International students (and their working spouses) who have been in the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status for more than five years should review IRS publications to determine if they should instead file form 1040 or 1040-EZ. J-1 scholars (and their working spouses) who have been in the U.S. in J-1 status for more than two years should review IRS publications to determine if they should instead file form 1040 or 1040 EZ.

H-1B, TN or 0-1 status holders who have been in the United States for more than 183 days also should review IRS publications to see if they should file resident rather than non-resident tax forms.

Where are forms available?

Federal Tax Forms
Download the forms from the IRS website.

Call the IRS at +1-800-829-3676

Most students and J-1 scholars will need Form 1040 NR-EZ and instructions; Form 8843, Publication 519 (U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens), and Publication 901 (U.S. Tax Treaties).

State of Ohio Tax Forms

Where are information and assistance with taxes available?

Federal Taxes

  • Visit irs.gov
  • Private tax preparation companies
    • Search online: "Tax Return Preparation"
    • Ask if the company can assist with Form 1040 NR (non-resident) form
    • Ask for the fee amount in advance

State Taxes

  1. +1-800-282-1780
  2. Ohio Department of Taxation

City Taxes

If you work for the university, city income taxes will be deducted from your paycheck. The City of Columbus does not require a return to be filed at the end of the year.

Questions

The Office of International Affairs, the Ohio State Tax Office or other staff at The Ohio State University cannot answer specific questions regarding individual tax return situations.

Additional information can be found at:

Disclaimer: This is general information designed to assist nonresident aliens with questions about their tax status, tax return filing and the use of the Sprintax Calculus system while they are present at The Ohio State University. The information herein is not to be relied upon to determine your tax, your tax status or to file your tax return. Employees at Ohio State are not trained to assist with tax matters. It is suggested you consult with a tax professional to assist you.

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