This year our VITA services are completely remote, as such, you will need to have access to Zoom with a camera or video ability (Zoom.com) and you will also need to upload your tax documents to our secure IRS Tax Client Portal or share your documents via Zoom In order to be eligible for the UMass VITA program. Additionally, please note the following:
- You must have income less than $75,000
- You must have all your tax forms ready (W-2's, interest, tuition statements, health insurance information, etc.)
- You cannot be self-employed, have rental income, or farm income
- You cannot have interest, dividend, or stock sales of more than $10,000
- You will need to show a gov't issued photo ID with your name on it and your Social Security card(s) for everyone on your tax return.
- If you are filing with a spouse, both of you will need to be present during the tax return preparation process.
Also note: we do not prepare prior year returns.
Please answer the following questions before you book an appointment with our US Resident and/or Resident Alien tax preparation services:
1. Are you a US Resident, Green Card holder or Resident Alien for tax purposes? If no, please see our International/Foreign services.
2. Do you have self-employment, rental or farm income? If yes, you do not qualify for our services.
3. Do you have investment income of more than $10,000? If yes, you do not qualify for our services.
To make an appointment please click HERE.
If you would like to have your taxes done in person, please see this link for help: https://www.communityaction.us/taxes
Additionally, the IRS provides free file software where you can prepare your own returns:
Welcome to Direct File | Direct File | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
IRS Free File | Internal Revenue Service
MA tax forms:
2023 Massachusetts Personal Income Tax Forms and Instructions | Mass.gov
DO NOT USE FREE FILE SITES TO FILE YOUR TAX RETURN AS THOSE ARE NOT FOR NONRESIDENT ALIENS
You can watch a 30-minute video explaining the tax filing process and your requirements for the 2024 tax season. Follow this link.
An alien is any individual who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. national. The taxation of aliens by the United States is significantly affected by the residency status of such aliens. Although the immigration laws of the United States refer to aliens as immigrants, nonimmigrants, and undocumented (illegal) aliens, the tax laws of the United States refer only to Nonresident Alien (NRA) and Resident Alien (RA).
A Resident Alien for tax purposes is treated in the same manner as a U.S. citizen when filing a tax return and paying taxes. A Nonresident Alien for tax purposes has a completely different method of having tax withheld, completing tax forms and tax documents, and is eligible for very few and limited deductions when paying taxes. A RA for tax purposes must report worldwide income, whereas an NRA for tax purposes must only report and pay tax on money that he or she receives from U.S. sources.
The period for which you are an NRA for tax purposes depends on the results of what is called the “Substantial Presence Test.” In general, individuals present in the U.S. under an F, J, M, or Q STUDENT immigration status will be an NRA for the first FIVE calendar years they are present in the U.S.; individuals present in the U.S. under a J or Q NON-STUDENT immigration status will be an NRA for the first TWO calendar years they are present in the U.S. There are many exceptions to the general rule so further questions must consider the facts and circumstances of the individual’s current and past visits to the U.S. You can do a substantial presence test in Sprintax Calculus to see what your status is.
If you are an NRA at UMass, you should refer to the International Programs Office website for useful information about filing your taxes. The Office of the President at UMass has also put together a great website (scroll down to the “Employees” section) that will answer any questions from signing up for a tax treaty, checking Tax Residency Status to filing your income taxes. NRAs should read this webpage before filing their tax returns.
VITA will NOT prepare federal income tax returns for this tax season. NRAs can prepare their federal income tax return using Sprintax again this year. VITA will prepare the state tax returns for NRAs. You can make an appointment to have your state tax returns filed by VITA by clicking on this link.
NRAs will use Sprintax to file their federal income tax returns. If you are currently a UMass student, there is no cost to file a federal income tax return as UMass covered the cost of the tax return preparation. You can use your UMass credentials to access Sprintax to file your federal income tax return for free. Click here to access Sprintax. This link will also provide you with other valuable information such as access to training webinars and access to assistance with Sprintax.
NRAs will have to file a state income tax return for the state that they worked in. During the process of filing your federal income tax return, Sprintax will let you know what states you have a filing requirement in. State tax returns can be filed directly through Sprintax. The cost to file a state tax return using Sprintax is $45 per state. Sprintax will charge you directly for the cost of the state income tax returns. There are several free options to file your Massachusetts tax return (see below). VITA will prepare your state income tax returns for the states that you worked in during the year. To have your state tax return(s) prepared by VITA click on the link below.
Another option that NRAs can us to file a federal and state income tax return is using Online Tax Prep (OLT). OLT allows you to file your federal income tax return for free and charges $9.95 per state tax return.
If you only have to file a Massachusetts tax return (you worked in MA only) you can prepare your own tax return. Information about filing a Massachusetts tax return can be found here. Taxpayers can also e-file their Massachusetts state tax return only directly on MassTaxConnect (scroll half way down the page) UMass also provides information about state tax filing requirements.
If you file your own tax return, and worked and lived in Massachusetts you will file as a resident of Massachusetts. If you file your own tax return, generally you will need to file the following forms: Form 1 – Massachusetts Resident Income Tax Return, Schedule Y – Other Deductions (only if you have a tax treaty) and Schedule HC – Health Care Information.
If you are an NRA for tax purposes DO NOT use any of the free e-file options on the Mass.gov website. These options are for domestic and resident alien taxpayers only.
NOTE: It may take 6+ months for NRAs to receive a federal income tax refund.