University of Southern Maine
Office of International Programs

TAX UPDATE
 
Many of you have now received your W-2 forms and are ready to file your 2008 tax returns. The information listed below will get you started and provide resources for additional information.
 
 
Remember that ALL Non-Immigrant Students and Scholars on F or J Visas MUST FILE A TAX RETURN by April 15, 2009, if you were in the United States during 2008.  Even if you did not earn any money you must file. 
 

Every student and scholar on an F or J visa must complete one OR both of the following items:

● Form 8843
   Students and scholars who did not earn any income during 2008 should file form 8843 ONLY

● Form 1040NR-EZ
           Instructions for form 1040NR-EZ are also available.  

        OR

● Form 1040 NR: This is the longer form for students who cannot file the EZ form
            Instructions for form 1040 NR are also available.

 
 

Students who do not have a Social Security Number or a Taxpayer ID Number must also submit an application for an ITIN (taxpayer ID number) along with their tax forms.

Use form W-7 to apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number

 
Be sure to check our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to some of the basics.
 
Tax Assistance Resources
 

Need help filling out your tax forms? The following resources are available to help you complete your 2008 tax return:

Local Internal Revenue Service Location:

Mallside Plaza
220 Maine Mall Road
South Portland, ME 04106
207-879-4683
(The door is just around the corner from Imperial China)
Get Directions to the local IRS Office

Hours of Operation:    Monday thru Friday   8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance:

* CASH (Crating Assets, Savings & Hope) of Greater Portland
If you earned less than $50,000 during 2008 they will assist you in filling out your tax return at no charge. Call them at 874-1000 to make an appointment.

VISTA/AARP Volunteers:

* Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland
Walk In Hours: Wednesday from 9 AM to 5 PM & Thursday from 12 Noon to 8 PM

* AARP Maine State Office, 1685 Congress Street, Portland
Hours: Tuesday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Call to make an appointment in advance at 741-4057

* Gorham Baxter Memorial Library, 71 South Street, Gorham
Walk In Hours: Wednesday from 9 AM to 1 PM

* Scarborough Public Library, 48 Gorham Road, Scarborough
Make an appointment by calling 883-4723

 
 
 

Helpful IRS Websites and Phone Numbers

● Internal Revenue Service Home Page
This page includes a search function both by topic and by form number
Also check out the Non Resident Alien Help Topics
 

● Live Telephone Assistance
1-800-829-1040 (This is a toll free call)

Hours of Operation:
7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Friday
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday through early April

 

State of Maine Tax Forms

State Tax forms are not yet available on line.
These forms (1040ME) can often be found at local banks or post offices.
You can check back at this location in a few weeks or go directly to the Maine Revenue Services homepage. Once the forms are available on line we will link them directly to this page.