Unofficial UWaterloo Intern USA Tax Guide

Disclaimer: This isn't professional tax advice. If you have any questions, ask a professional.
Last Updated: March 31, 2013.

If you have any comments or suggestions you reach me here: holler@feli.xxx

Introduction

This guide is designed for most Waterloo students whose only US income comes from J1-visa internships. Lucky you! You get to fill out 3 sets of taxes this year! As a Canadian in the US, you'll first file your State and Federal taxes. Afterwards, you'll report the amount of tax you've paid in the US on your Canadian tax return so you aren't double-taxed.

Federal

You are probably going to get a refund. This is because you got taxed at a high tax bracket which assumed you were going to be paid all year-around. You weren't, so you're getting back the difference.

In summary, you are a non-resident who qualifies for no additional tax exemptions because:

The best thing to do is to file the 1040NR-EZ. At the time of writing, there is no way for you to electronically file your Federal Taxes.

Forms:

Links (You may have to reference these while using the guide):

You will also declare your J1 status using Form 8843:

Where to mail forms (irs.gov):
If you have to pay more taxes,
include a check and send to
Internal Revenue Service
P. O. Box 1303
Charlotte, NC 28201-1303
USA
OtherwiseDepartment of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Austin, TX 73301-0215
USA

Attach a copy of your W2 to your forms. Congratulations! You've filed your federal taxes.

State

You will have to file a state tax return for each state you've worked in.

California

If California is the only state you've worked in, you only need to file the 540NR Short Form. Otherwise, you'll require both the 540NR Long Form as well as the Schedule of California Adjustments (unaddressed by this guide). At the time of writing, there is no way for you to electronically file your California taxes.

Forms:

Links (You may have to reference these while using the guide):

Attach a copy of your W2 to your forms. Congratulations! You've filed your state taxes.

Where to mail forms (ftb.ca.gov)
If you have to pay more taxes,
include a check and send to
Franchise Tax Board
P.O. Box 942867
Sacramento, CA 94267-0001
USA
OtherwiseFranchise Tax Board
P.O. Box 942840
Sacramento, CA 94240-0001
USA

If you receive a refund, you will also receive a receipt for your refund in a Form 1099-G. You enter this as a taxable refund on your next year's federal return (1040NR-EZ, Line 4).

Washington

You don't have to file state taxes [=

New York

You can electronically file your state taxes for free. Look through your options here.

Canadian

References