International tax filing assistance
We assist eligible international students and scholars who are nonresident aliens for U.S. tax purposes with annual federal and state filing obligations within the scope of the program.
Tax knowledge in service of the IU community
Practical tax education and assistance for the IU community.
The Tax Knowledge Network brings practical tax education to the Indiana University Bloomington community through workshops, outreach, and service. Its Virtual Tax Assistance Program provides filing assistance specifically for eligible international students and scholars who are nonresident aliens for U.S. tax purposes.
What we do
Tax education, outreach, and assistance
The Tax Knowledge Network serves the broader IU community through tax education and programming, which can address issues relevant to domestic or international taxpayers. Filing assistance is provided through the Virtual Tax Assistance (VTA) Program and is limited to eligible international students and scholars who are nonresident aliens for U.S. tax purposes.
Tax literacy and education
We explain core filing concepts, common tax documents, deadlines, residency classifications, and the purpose of forms participants may encounter.
Campus workshops and outreach
Through the broader Tax Knowledge Network, we offer practical tax education for student organizations, faculty groups, and campus partners on topics relevant to their members.
Workshops and outreach
Bring practical tax education to your organization.
The Tax Knowledge Network provides workshops for IU organizations and faculty groups. Sessions can be tailored to the audience and the tax questions most relevant to them.
Request a workshopExamples of past programming
Faculty groups
Tax efficient saving and retirement planning, including tax considerations related to benefits elections.
IU Innovates
Start up taxation and tax planning for future outside investment, including venture capital or angel investment, as well as eventual IPO considerations.
To discuss a new workshop, contact Prof. Jerry Mathis at jdmathis@iu.edu.
Virtual Tax Assistance (VTA) Program
How international tax assistance works
VTA serves eligible international students and scholars who are nonresident aliens for U.S. tax purposes. Tax residency is not determined by visa status alone, so participants should confirm that VTA and the available filing tools fit their tax situation before assistance begins.
Request an appointment(Tuesdays from February - April)
-
1
Confirm your tax status and eligibility
International students and scholars may be treated as residents or nonresidents for U.S. tax purposes depending on their circumstances. VTA is intended for eligible participants who are nonresident aliens for U.S. tax purposes.
-
2
Request a VTA appointment
Email vta@iu.edu to request an appointment. Appointments are held over Zoom on Tuesday evenings from mid-February through the filing deadline in April.
-
3
Gather your tax documents
Bring the forms and information relevant to your situation, including wage statements, scholarship or treaty documents, identification information, and prior year filings when applicable.
-
4
Work through the tax software
Program volunteers help participants understand the questions presented by the tax preparation software and determine what information those questions are asking for.
-
5
Review before submission
You remain responsible for reviewing your return, confirming that the information is accurate, and completing any required filing or mailing steps.
VTA Client Checklist
Arrive with the information needed to make the session useful.
The exact documents depend on your circumstances. These are common items to have available.
- Passport and current immigration documents
- Social Security number or ITIN, if you have one
- Forms W-2 and Forms 1042-S, if received
- Relevant Forms 1099 or other income documents
- Prior year federal and state returns, if available
- Current U.S. and foreign address information
- Dates of U.S. presence needed for tax residency questions. Your CBP I-94 travel history may help you reconstruct these dates, but review it against your own travel records because some arrivals or departures may not appear.
Do not send Social Security numbers, tax forms, passport images, or other sensitive documents by ordinary email.
Reliable resources
Start with authoritative information
Tax rules change. These official resources are better starting points than social media, message boards, or advice written for a different tax residency status.
Indiana University
Office of International Services tax information
IU guidance for international students and scholars on U.S. tax filing responsibilities.
Visit resource Indiana UniversitySprintax information for IU affiliates
Current IU information about access to Sprintax for eligible international students and scholars.
Visit resource Internal Revenue ServiceNonresident alien tax information
Federal information about nonresident alien status, filing requirements, and related topics.
Visit resourceU.S. citizens and residents
Looking for tax return preparation assistance?
VTA is specifically for eligible international students and scholars who are nonresident aliens for U.S. tax purposes. If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident for tax purposes, VTA is not the appropriate program for you. Please contact the IU Maurer School of Law VITA program for assistance.
Visit IU Maurer VITAWhich program should you use?
VTA for nonresident international students and scholars
International students and scholars who are nonresident aliens for U.S. tax purposes should contact VTA for assistance. U.S. citizens and U.S. residents for tax purposes should contact the Maurer School of Law VITA program instead.
Contact
Questions about the Virtual Tax Program?
For VTA eligibility, appointment requests, upcoming tax assistance, or volunteering for the 2027 tax season, contact the program at vta@iu.edu.
Email the programImportant scope information
The Virtual Tax Program is an educational and service initiative. No fee is charged for program assistance. Participation does not create legal representation or a paid tax preparer relationship.
VTA volunteers do not prepare or file tax returns on behalf of participants. Volunteers help participants understand the questions presented by the tax preparation software and the information needed to answer them.
Tax situations can be complex. Matters outside the program's scope may require assistance from an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or other qualified tax professional.