Tax Filing Through A Third Party

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ISS urges the international students to use CINTAX until otherwise prompted to do so. Note that not all other third parties are familiar with the appropriate Federal Income tax return forms for international students. ISS can best assist you with your tax returns when you are using the ISS resources, such as CINTAX.

All international students should first use CINTAX when filing a Federal Income tax return. CINTAX will apply the Substantial Presence Test to determine the residency status for tax purposes. In case CINTAX determines that you are a Resident for Tax Purposes, it will prompt you to use other resources. The following resources should and could only be used in that case.

E-Filing Tax Returns

IRS e-file allows electronic tax filing and payment. Individuals can e-file 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ returns. The Federal Income tax forms that can be e-filed are listed in the IRS Most Commonly Filed Federal Forms page. International students who are nonresidents for tax purposes CANNOT e-file as they have to file 1040NR returns.

For more information on e-file please refer to the IRS e-file for Individuals page. IRS also provides a list of Authorized e-file Partners.

Below are two tax filing services that assist international students in tax return preparations. Note that ISS is not endorsing these two companies.

  • Tax Back International:This is an online tax filing service that assists international students by providing online and telephone assistance in multiple languages. Certain fees do apply; this is not a free service. For more information, contact at 888-203-8900 (toll free) or by email at info@taxback.com.
  • IS Taxes:This is an online tax filing program for international students. Certain fees do apply; this is not a free service.  For more information, visit the IS Taxes website.

Professional Accountants

If the resources available to you are not adequate enough for you to file your tax return independently, you may choose to consult a professional accountant. While these services are very helpful, they can also be costly. You will need to consider carefully the degree of need versus expense before using such a service.

Before you enter into an agreement with a professional tax preparer, be sure to ask if they have experience completing forms for international students. Please be advised that most professional accountants do not have experience in nonresident tax returns.

Local accountants can be identified by searching the yellow pages of the phone book. Many Americans rely on professional accountants to do their taxes; however, we wish to point out that accounting services are privately run businesses and we cannot vouch for nor endorse the services of any particular accountant. You may want to ask other international students for recommendations or call the Better Business Bureau at 979-260-2222 to inquire whether there are complaints against businesses you consider.

For more information on choosing a professional accountant, please refer to the following IRS articles:

last updated: 02/2009
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