NRA FAQs & Resources

 General Tax Questions

As an international student, how do I know if I need to file taxes?

International students at UW should use Glacier Tax Prep (GTP) to determine if they are required to file tax forms annually. This includes students who did not work.

How do I know which tax form I should receive?

The UW Payroll is responsible for sending out different IRS tax forms. Form W-2s are sent to UW employees & students who received wages or compensation in the prior calendar year. Form 1042-Ss are sent to UW non-resident foreign students who have claimed a tax treaty benefit and received scholarship payments

How do I Retrieve a W-2 if I had a job on campus?

An accessible version of your W-2 is available in Workday.

As a former international student employee, how do I retrieve a W-2?

If you no longer work at the University, you can still retrieve your W-2s in Workday, though your Workday screen looks slightly different now that you no longer work at the UW. 

 Please Note: In order to sign into Workday, you will need both your UW NetID credentials and access to Duo, UW’s two-factor authentication (2FA) solution.

If you forgot your UW NetID and/or password, contact UW-IT for assistance. Learn more at UW-IT’s About UW NetIDs page. To enroll in Duo, visit IT Connect’s Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) page. Former employees are eligible to enroll in Duo through the remainder of the year in which they left the University, and for the three years following their year of departure.

I’m no longer in the U.S., do I have to file taxes?

Yes. If you were in the U.S. as a student during the tax year in question, start the process in Glacier Tax Prep program to determine if you need to file. The GTP web platform works anywhere you have internet access. ISS advises that you complete your GTP session on a secure internet connection. GTP will not remind you to file. If you do not file, the IRS will not refund any overpayment.

I’m no longer in the U.S. and have completed the GTP process, how do I mail my taxes?

1. Print:

  • You must physically print your tax return document.
  • Save a copy of your return document.

2. Mail:

  • Place your printed tax return document in an envelope.
  • Address it to the IRS (address found at the end of GTP process).
  • Take your envelope to a reliable postal service and ask for a tracking number.
  • Monitor the tracking number to ensure delivery.

3. Wait until further notice:

  • IRS processing times can be lengthy.
  • Once the IRS receives your return, they will send you a receipt notice.

 

As an NRA student do I qualify for the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning Tax Credit?

No, nonresident alien students do not qualify for these tax credits. But there are some exceptions, please email: taxquest@uw.edu with your student number to see if you meet the exceptions.

Do I need to pay taxes if I receive a scholarship or fellowship?

Yes, you need to pay taxes for any amount that exceeds your tuition charges. As an NRA student, you will be charged a 14% tax rate if you have an SSN in the student account system. You will be charged 30% tax rate if you do not have a SSN on your student account.

Can a departmental budget pay my taxes?

Yes, a department may use its budget to pay for the NRA tax withholding on your student account, but in order to do so, they must increase the award amount by 14%. Otherwise, SFS will take out the 14% tax before the money is awarded to you.

Social Security Number (SSN) & Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Where can an NRA student apply for an SSN or a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

You may apply for an SSN by contacting the International Services Office.

Or check ISS Office to for apply ITIN process.

You may use the Social Security office website to locate offices.

Why do Nonresident Alien (NRA) students need to get a Social Security Number (SSN)?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all students to have an SSN when they have a job on campus or earn US source of income.  The IRS fines the UW $100 per nonresident alien student if they do not have an SSN recorded in the UW payroll system or Student Account system.

What do I do if I cannot get a social security number?

If you are not eligible for a social security number, you may get an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). The University of Washington Tax office is able to process applications for ITINs, but only if you are unable to obtain a social security number. Visit the ISS webpage regarding the ITIN process. 

Form 1042-S

What is the 1042-S form?

It is a tax form for nonresident alien students that received US source income while studying at the UW. They need to use this form to see how much income they received in a tax year and file a tax return.

How do I retrieve my 1042-S?

Instructions for individuals with UW Glacier Tax Compliance accounts:

  1.  Log into the Glacier Nonresident Alien Tax Compliance System
  2. From the Menu, select “I would like to view/print my Form 1042S”

Instructions for individuals without UW Glacier Tax Compliance accounts:

Fax the completed form (don’t ever email any form that contains your Social Security number) to the Payroll Office at 206-543-8137; or, alternatively, drop off the form in person at the Payroll Office. Note that the request for paper Form W-2s can take up to 48 hours to process.

Who receives the 1042S form?

The 1042S form will only be given to nonresident alien students who have received scholarship or fellowship money that exceeds their tuition and related fee charges. You will not receive a copy of the 1042S form if you only have a tuition waiver on your account and do not receive any extra money.

As an international student, why didn’t I receive a 1042-S form this year?

According to the new IRS requirements, the UW does not report any tuition exemptions or tuition waivers for international students. If you did not receive extra scholarship money, you will not get a 1042-S form.

Resources