Social Security Numbers and Taxes
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
The Social Security Number is a permanent identification number issued by the U.S. government. A student or scholar needs a Social Security Number (SSN) if they will receive a salary or stipend from the University of New Haven or from the off-campus OPT, CPT or AT employer. If employed, they will also need an SSN to file a U.S. income tax return for each calendar year they were present in the U.S.
SSNs are often used for a variety of unofficial purposes, such as opening telephone, utility, or bank/credit card accounts. While having an SSN is convenient for these reasons, it is not required. A paid employment is required in order to apply for an SSN. The student or scholar must have entered the U.S. at least 10 days prior to submitting the application and may not apply more than 30 days before the start of employment.
All U.S. employers require employees to have a Social Security Number (SSN) for the purpose of reporting individual employee earnings for tax purposes and thus the SSN is required to receive compensation for work in the US. If you get an SSN, keep the card and number safe, and be careful with whom you share this information, as it can be used for identity theft purposes.
The application for a drivers license or state ID requires either an SSN, or a denial letter from the SSA stating the student is not eligible for the SSN. To get the denial letter, you will apply for the SSN using the SS-5 application on the Social Security Administration website. Follow the instructions there about how to submit the application by mail or in-person. If you are not eligible because you don’t have an employment, they will send you the denial letter.
The Career Development Center provides more information about the Social Security Numbers (SSN). If the student is employed on-campus, the Student Employment Office will assist with all hiring paperwork, including the SSN.
Find out how to apply for an SSN and the documents required to apply on the Social Security Administration website www.ssa.gov. UIS can provide a letter confirming valid FT student status.
TAXES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Everyone living in the United States, including F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, must file federal and state income tax forms whether they earn money in the United States or not. The international student must file Federal Form 8843, even if they do not earn money. If employed, they also need to file taxes using Form 1040NR, or the shorter Form 1040NREZ, if you meet its requirements. Federal and most state taxes must be filed by April 15. There are penalties for failing to file or for filing late.
Earnings from employment in the United States might complicate the tax situation in international settings; furthermore, some countries have tax treaties with the United States that should be considered when calculating tax liability. The more complex the situation, the more strongly UIS recommends that the student or scholar seek assistance from an accountant familiar with international tax structures.
More information:
Please be advised that the UIS does not specialize in international tax law and cannot answer questions regarding individual tax filing requirements; however, for additional help with your tax return, the Sprintax online tax preparation service is available for all international students at University of New Haven. Often Sprintax provides a limited number of coupon codes first come first serve. It is an easy-to-use online tool to prepare your tax return at a low cost.
If after reviewing this information, you still have questions, submit your inquiry to UIS via the General Inquiry Form. UIS will answer inquiries in the order they are received.