Tax Information

Helpful Links for Non-Residents

The University of Texas at Austin has a very good website on taxes.

"The Tax Guy"

"Ten Common Tax Return Errors," By Paula N. Singer, Esq.

Forms

SSA Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card

IRS Form W-7, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

IRS Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

IRS Form 8843, Statment for Exempt Individuals

IRS Form 1040NR-EZ, U.S. Income Tax Return for Nonresident Aliens

IRS Form 1040NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return

"CINTAX Complete International Tax Preparation Software" is once again available for use in preparing non-resident federal income tax returns. CINTAX is designed exclusively for foreign students, scholars, teachers, researchers, and their dependents who are non-resident aliens (the software will not prepare federal resident returns or state income tax returns.)

Important Information BEFORE Accessing CINTAX

  • You must provide Florida Tech accurate information regarding your tax status in the U.S. Log on to https://fnis.windstar.cc/fit/ and enter your information. If you cannot locate the e-mail with your username and password, please contact Rosanne Pelfrey in the Comptroller’s Office at rpelfrey@fit.edu.
  • Read ISSS’s Information and Resources On Taxation” to determine if you are a resident or non-resident for tax purposes. If you are a resident for federal tax purposes the CINTAX software will not help you. Logging into the program will automatically use up one of the limited number of access codes we have paid for. Because the program does NOT assist with resident tax forms, we ask that you not use one of these access codes up unnecessarily. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

CINTAX is an online system; however, it does not file the tax return electronically (the IRS does not currently allow Forms 1040NR and 1040NR-EZ to be filed electronically.) You must print, sign, and mail the tax returns/forms generated by CINTAX. Therefore, you must have access to a printer, preferably at the time the data is entered.

  • You should have all documents regarding current and prior visits to the U.S. available prior to accessing CINTAX. These include:
    • Visa/Immigration Status information: form DS-2019, if J status individual or form I-20, if F status individual
    • Passport
    • Forms W-2, 1042-S and/or 1099 (if you received any)
    • Scholarship/fellowship grant letter (if any)
    • Social Security or ITIN # (if you have been assigned one)
    • Address Information (US and Foreign address)
    • US Entry and Exit Dates for current and past visits to the US
    • Copy of your 2006 federal income tax return (if filed)
    • Academic Institution or Host Sponsor Information
  • Have all payment documents ready prior to accessing CINTAX (Forms 1042-S, W-2, and 1099, if received.)
  • Set aside approximately 30 minutes to devote to completing the process - it's much easier to do it all at once than to have to start and stop repeatedly.
  • All information entered into CINTAX is encrypted and secured via SSL technology.
  • If you are concerned about entering your email address (and getting unwanted email messages,) please be advised that CINTAX will NOT use the email address for any purpose other than to contact the person if CINTAX finds an error has occurred or CINTAX needs to reach them in connection with their tax return preparation. CINTAX pledges that all of the information is secure and will not be distributed or used by anyone other than CINTAX in connection with the use of CINTAX.
  • Keep your CINTAX Password and UserID in a safe place; this information will be necessary should you need to re-enter CINTAX at a later time or if the internet connection fails during the process.
  • If there are any problems, simply send an email to the CINTAX Support Center at: support@cintax.us.
  • CINTAX only generates a U.S. Federal tax return and all accompanying statements. You may also be required to file a state tax return for the state(s) in which you lived or worked; however, to do so, please review the tax return filing rules for the applicable state(s). The external group (not CINTAX) that provides the link to the STATE tax sites reports that this direct link WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL FEBRUARY 15, 2008.

How do I access CINTAX?

Go to the following website: http://www.fit.edu/isss/cintax.php. Log in using your current TRACKS account and follow directions.

If you no longer hold a valid TRACKS account but were in “F” or “J” status during 2007 and associated with Florida Tech (on OPT or graduated), please contact the ISSS Office (jlingner@fit.edu) to have a User ID and password assigned to you. After receiving your log in information, go to the following website: http://www.fit.edu/isss/cintax.php?mode=2. Log in and follow the directions.

The FIRST time you log into CINTAX, you will be asked: “Have you already created your User Account?” Select “No. This is my first time to login this year. I need to create my User Account.”

You will then be prompted to enter your assigned Password. You must then create your User Account by selecting a new Password and your personal UserID. To ensure that your income tax return information remains private and secure, DO NOT share your Password or UserID with anyone. Note: Unauthorized use of the software may compromise the integrity of Florida Tech’s license with CINTAX, potentially affecting our ability to offer the software in the future.

If you return to CINTAX to modify or reprint your tax return, at the CINTAX login page enter the Password and UserID you selected at the time you created your User Account.

How Long is My Password Valid?

During your use of CINTAX, you will be asked whether you would like CINTAX to (i) save your information until June 15, 2008(so that you may reprint or modify your return), or

(ii) Delete your information.

If you select “Save” your information, when you again log into CINTAX, you must enter the Password and UserID you selected when you initially established your User Account. If you selected “Delete” your information, you will be required to create a new User Account and re-enter all your data.

How Can I Get Help?

If you need assistance with CINTAX, click on Online Help at the bottom of any screen; Online Help will provide specific information relating to the topic on that page. If you have a technical issue, contact the CINTAX Support Center at support@cintax.us.

Once you answer CINTAX's questions about your immigration status, 2007 income and related matters, CINTAX will produce (in PDF format) your completed 2007 federal income tax forms ready for printing, signature and mailing to the Internal Revenue Service. After making copies of your information (to keep for your records), completed forms should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215
USA

DISCLAIMER: ISSS tax information is intended only for international student & scholars associated with Florida Tech with income sources and levels typical of students and scholars at the university. If you have income from unusual sources or higher than usual income, you should not rely on ISSS tax information. You should instead seek professional tax advice from a qualified accountant or attorney. CINTAX is being provided by International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) as a service to the international student & scholar community at Florida Tech. It is intended exclusively for your individual use. It is entirely your responsibility to complete and submit your US Federal tax return. ISSS and Florida Tech disclaim all liability or responsibility of any kind arising out of your use or misuse of the software.

Updated: Monday, February 4, 2008