CINTAX information for Binghamton University

If you were present in F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2 status in the United States during any portion of calendar year 2008 (even for just a few days) you are required to file an income tax form with the US Internal Revenue Service, even if you had no US income!

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services is pleased to announce the availability of CINTAX free of charge to BU international students, alumni, scholars and faculty. CINTAX is a web-based income tax preparation system designed exclusively for international students, scholars and faculty who file forms 1040NR EZ, 1040NR and form 8843 as Non-Residents for tax purposes. CINTAX computes and prints the required federal income tax forms. You can be anywhere in the world, and as long as you have an internet connection, you can complete your tax forms.

How do I use CINTAX?

In order to use CINTAX, you must first be assigned a valid CINTAX access code. The ISSS has set up a web page for you to request the access code on-line. Please go to the following link to request your access code: http://isss.binghamton.edu/taxes/cintaxForm.htm

The ISSS will then verify your identity and send the access code and a pdf attachment with specific instructions to you. This process will take no more than two business days.

Who may use CINTAX?

The following individuals are eligible to use CINTAX:

  • Current BU students in F or J status who have been in the United States in that status since 2004 or later
  • Current BU scholars and faculty in J status who have been in the United States in that status since 2007 or later.
  • F-2 dependents
  • J-2 dependents
  • Former BU students (including alumni) who were at Binghamton during some portion of calendar year 2008 as F-1 or J-1 and who began their F-1 or J-1 status in 2004 or later
  • Former BU students (including alumni) who were on OPT or Academic Training during some portion of 2008 and who began their F-1 or J-1 status in 2004 or later
  • Former BU students (including alumni) who were F-1 or J-1 during some portion of 2008 (including OPT or academic training), who began their F-1 or J-1 status in 2004 or later, but changed to H-1B status as of July 2, 2008 or later.
  • Former BU scholars and faculty who were in J-1 status during some portion of 2008 and who began their J-1 status in 2007 or later.

Note: F-1 or J-1 students who have been in that status for more than five years (2003 or earlier) and J-1 scholars and faculty who have been in that status for more than two years (2006 or earlier) are considered to be RESIDENTS for tax purposes, and should file federal RESIDENT tax forms. Such students and scholars will not be able to use CINTAX, since the software is not designed to compute or print resident tax information. Instead, students may wish to purchase commercial software products for resident taxpayers such as Turbo Tax or Tax Cut, or seek assistance from tax volunteers at the Broome County Library on Court Street in downtown Binghamton and at other locations.

What about State Income Tax Forms?

CINTAX is designed to prepare and produce only federal non-resident forms. CINTAX does not complete state income tax forms. Other options include viewing an ISSS-sponsored web income tax workshop, or using a qualified volunteer or professional tax preparation preparer. Please go to the following web links for details: http://isss.binghamton.edu/taxes/taxseminars.html and http://isss.binghamton.edu/taxes/webworkshp.htm

Let us know what you think of CINTAX!

Sincerely,

Ellen H. Badger, Director
International Student and Scholar Services