TAX   PREPARATION-INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS for Tax YR 2009

It’s time for you to prepare and file your U.S. Tax return for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and State of Illinois for tax year 2009.  You have to file a return in order to receive a refund of over-withheld taxes. In addition, you must complete Form 8843 each year you are in the U.S.  I have arranged tax sessions to assist you (listed below). Depending on the size of the class, please allow 1-3 hours to complete your form(s).

All meetings will be held in Donnelley and Lee Library. Plan to attend ONE of the sessions listed below:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 AT 2:00 P.M., Room 211

Thursday, March 18, 2010 AT 3:15 P.M., Room 203

Monday, March 22, 2010 AT  10:00 A.M., Room 211

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 AT 4:15 P.M., Room 203

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 AT 4:00 P.M.,  Room 203

The form(s) you will complete are:

Form 1040 NR OR  1040 NR-EZ  (to obtain a refund of federal taxes withheld);

Form 8843 (mandatory form for international students); and

Form IL-1040  (to obtain a refund of state taxes withheld)

___________________________________________________________________________________

***CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO BRING with YOU (ONLY IF RECEIVED AND APPLICABLE):

_____  W2 Forms for year 2009 (W2’s from all U.S. employers).

_____  Letter explaining your Grants & Scholarships dated January 22, 2010 (enclosed with W2).

_____  1042-S form only if received (enclosed with W2); please bring book amounts if not submitted.  

_____  1099-G form  from the State of Illinois (only if received). This is a statement of your 2008 refund.

____    U.S. Student Loan interest documents for 2009 (only if received).

____    Bank interest documents and any other tax documents for 2009 (only if received).

____    Your copy of last year’s completed tax return (form 1040NR or 1040NR EZ) and Form IL-1040.

____    Your VISA, Immigration Status, Passport, Form I 20, and INS form 1-94.

____    Documentation of amounts you paid to a charitable organization (only if you paid in 2009).

____    Documentation of amounts you paid for casualty and theft losses (only if applicable).

____    Your check copy (if you want your refund directly deposited into your account).

There is a minimal charge of  $ 5.00 per student for the tax session. This amount will be billed to your student account.

Although you will prepare your federal forms on the computer, ELECTRONIC FILING with the IRS is still not available for International Filers. You must mail paper copies to the IRS.  Electronic filing for Illinois is available for those who filed before. If you filed Illinois before, you were given an Illinois Pin #.  Please bring this with you. Direct Deposit to your bank account will result in a faster refund.  Be sure to bring your bank information (a check copy) with you.                       Deadline to file your Tax Return is April 15, 2010.

If you have any questions, you may contact me at ext. 5039 or dumas@lakeforest.edu.

Sincerely,

Doris Dumas

Associate Controller and Director of Payroll