Federal and State Taxes – Overview & FAQs

Tax Preparation Overview

All persons present in the U.S. under an F, J, M, or Q, (-1 or -2) immigration status MUST file tax documents with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Department of the Treasury at least once each year.

To assist you in complying with this important requirement, Colleges of the Fenway (COF) offers resources to guide you how to file taxes on your own.

While the COF offers resources to you, please note that we are NOT tax experts and cannot provide direct tax advice.  Our role is to provide resources so that you can complete your taxes yourself. 

Tax Preparation is a Multi-Step Process!

1. Check mail for potential tax forms (usually sent Jan-Mar)
2. Click  Self-Service Tax Resources  to get guidance (includes FNTR software code)
3. Complete the required forms (which you’ll get from step #2)
4. Mail forms (which you’ll get from step #3)
   1. Get extra help if needed by reviewing the FAQ’s below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to file documents?

• Everyone!
• All persons with an F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2, Q-1, or Q-2 immigration status in the U.S. have to file tax paperwork.
• All international students and exchange visitors must file documents to the United States government every year, even if you did not earn or receive money.

When do I have to file documents?

• Tax paperwork must be completed and filed by April 17^th of the year following any period during which you resided in the U.S.
  • For example: If you were in the U.S. at any point between January to December of a given year, you must file by April 17 of the following year.

I would like help filing my federal and Massachusetts state (Commonwealth) tax documents.  How do I begin the process of filing my paperwork?

• The COF has jointly purchased tax preparation software for our international student and exchange visitor population to assist with both federal and Massachusetts state tax forms.  (Don’t worry – you do not need to understand the U.S. tax system!).  Click on the “Self-Service Tax Resources” link at the top of this page for information about how to access the resource.

I need tax advice/I have questions that are not answered here.  How can I get more help or speak with someone in person?

• Taxpayer Assistance Center (TACs), offered by Internal Revenue Service
  • For more information about how to utilize their services, visit:  http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-Massachusetts.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA),
  • Offered by Bunker Hill Community College, for more information and to book an appointment, visit: http://www.bhcc.edu/vita/
  • For additional VITA sites, visit: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers
• Check out the US Tax Guide for Aliens: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf

I neglected to file my tax documents in past years and would like to file documents for more than one year.  What should I do?

• Contact the Taxpayer Assistance Center mentioned in the question above.
• You can use our tax preparation software to file federal taxes for a limited number of prior years. Click the “Self-Service Tax Resources” link above to access this software.

I intend to immigrate to the U.S.  What should I do?

• If you intend to adjust your immigration status to permanent resident (i.e. you are applying for a “green card” or “permanent resident” card), you should seek the advice of an immigration attorney before filing tax documents.

Am I a resident or nonresident for tax purposes?

• Our tax preparation software will help you determine this!  Click the “Self-Service Tax Resources” link above to access this software.
• You may also check the IRS resources at: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Determining-Alien-Tax-Status