Income Tax Requirements of F-1 International Students

Dear F-1 International Student:

The U.S. State and Federal governments require you to complete tax forms annually for the previous year.  IMPORTANT: These forms must be filed/mailed by April 15, 2009.

Below are the State of Michigan and the Federal Internal Revenue Service websites that have more detailed information.  We strongly suggest that you contact a volunteer agency to assist you with any forms you may have to complete.

For help locating a free tax site nearest to you call 1-800-552-1183 or find locations listed by county
at http://www.michiganeic.org/VITAsites/List2-09.xls. A location in Oakland or Wayne County will probably be most convenient for you.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) will have trained volunteers to help you - "The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income people (generally, $42,000 and below) who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various
organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.
VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing." http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html

You can refer to the following websites for more information:

http://www.michigan.gov/treasury
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4011.pdf
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/index.html
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96431,00.html
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=129394,00.html

NOTE: All students and their F-2 dependents must complete form 8843, even if they did not work.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8843.pdf

You should complete the form as follows:

  1. fill in the portion before Part I as directed
  2. skip parts II, IV and V
  3. for part III, #9 write:
    Oakland Community College
    Name of your OCC Campus
    Address of your OCC Campus
  4. for part III, #10 write:
    Name of your International Student Advisor
    International Student Advisor/DSO
    Telephone Number of your International Student Advisor
    same address as in #9
  5. follow the signing instructions at the bottom of page 2 of the form
  6. follow mailing instruction on page 4, under “When and Where To File”

Regards,
International Student Advisors of Oakland Community College