The Department of Human Resources provides this tax resource information to UW-Milwaukee’s foreign nationals, for informational and educational purposes only, and not as a substitute for advice obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a qualified tax professional. Foreign nationals who have questions about their income tax situation should consult a qualified tax professional. Each person is responsible for the accuracy of their own income tax returns and any resulting penalties or interest.
Tax Deadlines
Tax season in the United States ranges from January 1 until April 18. If you worked or received a scholarship in the U.S. in the past calendar year, you must file both U.S. federal and Wisconsin state taxes. Even if you didn’t work, you must fill out a tax form called Form 8843.
Tax Preparation Assistance
To help guide you through the Federal tax filing process UWM offers web-based tax software called GLACIER Tax Prep designed exclusively for foreign nationals who are non-residents for tax purposes. It is a part of the GLACIER program and opens in late-February each year.
U.S. Federal Tax
Do I need to file anything if I didn’t earn income in the last calendar year?
Yes. All international students who were present in the U.S. during the past calendar year, even if they did not earn income, must fill out Form 8843.
Forms to File
If you are a non-resident who worked in the United States during the previous calendar year, please file the following forms:
If you are a non-resident who didn’t work, please file the following form:
U.S. Federal Tax Information and Assistance
- IRS Website
- Phone: 1-800-829-1040
- IRS International Services
- International Taxpayer Service Call Center:
1-267-941-1000 - Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
- Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties
Wisconsin State Tax
You may be required to file a state income tax return for each state in which you resided and/or earned income during the calendar year. Please carefully read the instructions on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website to determine whether you must file and which forms and additional requirements apply to you.
Wisconsin State Tax Information and Assistance
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue Website
- Phone: 1-608-266-2486
Tax Documents
If you were a student from the University:
You will receive a Form 1098-T via download in an email from the University’s Cashiers Office (Late January).
If you were working in a campus position from the University with no tax exemption treaty:
You will receive a W-2 statement from the University (January 31).
Explanation of the W-2 Wage and Tax Statement
If you received a scholarship or fellowship not covered under a tax exemption treaty:
You will receive a Fellowship/Scholarship Letter (Mid February).
If you received a scholarship/fellowship from the University or wages that were covered under a tax exemption treaty:
You will receive Form 1042-S from the University in your GLACIER account (Late February).
Authorized off-campus employment:
You will receive a W-2 from the employer (January 31).
Interest earned on bank accounts:
You will receive a Form 1099-INT from the bank (January 31).