Stanford University
Postdoctoral Scholars

Taxes

For International Postdocs


  • International Postdoctoral Scholar Tax Workshop: Filing Forms 1040NR and 1040NR-EZ 


    Date
    : Please check back in early 2016 for the next annual session


    Time
    : TBD
    Register
    : TBD


    Watch Online or Conference Call: 2016 Session Information TBD (Note: this will be unmoderated; you will not be able to ask questions of the speaker online or by phone.)

    PowerPoint Presentation from 2015: click HERE


GLACIER Tax Preparation Software

 

Federal Tax Help-Sheet for Non-Residents


Stanford University cannot give tax advice. We can only direct you to tax resources. The Payroll Department can answer questions about pay you received. You are advised to seek a professional advisor with specific questions.

All scholars paid on salary (semi-monthly payments through the  payroll system) must have on file in the Stanford Payroll Office a US Social Security Number (SSN) and either submit your withholding allowances in AXESS or go to Stanford's Student Financial Services Tax Information website. Funds received by scholars, regardless of the source, are subject to US Federal and California State income tax law.

The current specifications for taxation of non-matriculated graduate funding are as follows:

All support is subject to taxation. The amount of tax varies according to total income, dependency status, treaty status for international students, and individual circumstances.

Salary payments will be subject to tax withholdings.

Fellowship and traineeship stipends paid to US citizens and permanent residents are not subject to withholding but are considered taxable income and must be reported. Scholars are responsible for making quarterly estimated tax payments during the year via IRS Form 1040ES and California form 540ES.

International scholars are subject to US federal tax laws and California State tax laws. Qualifying residents of countries which have tax treaties with the US may be exempt from tax withholding or receive other benefits. There are differences based on whether you receive salary or stipend payments. Qualifying scholars must file forms with the IRS prior to receiving their first salary or stipend payment. Refer to the IRS Forms page for complete information on treaty countries.

Please visit the following web sites for IRS taxation on:

Foreign nationals should also review Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.

Questions? Please submit a HelpSU ticket at http://helpsu.stanford.edu (Category: Central Offices, Type: Payroll) or contact the Bechtel International Center for more help

Reimbursement for travel and conference expenses while at Stanford may be a taxable benefit. Scholars should check with their department administrators and faculty mentors before making any travel plans or paying any membership or conference fees. Many departments hold corporate charge cards which facilitate the payment of these types of expenses. Regardless of how payments are handled, scholars need to retain and submit original receipts of their travel expenses and conferences fees to their department administrator. These are required by the University to process reimbursements either to the department or to the scholar. Travel reimbursements are not made until after the travel is completed, with the exception of conference registration.

Tuition and insurance payments made on the scholar's behalf by the University or any other source may be considered a taxable benefit by the I.R.S. for scholars paid by stipend (monthly) or from sources outside of Stanford. Salaried scholars are exempt from this tax.

Salaried scholars receive W2 forms in January, mailed to the address in their AXESS student file. US citizens and residents receiving stipends will receive a letter in late January stating what has been paid to them by Stanford. Non-resident aliens will receive a 1042-S by mid to late March, in addition to a letter. These documents are sent to the mailing or home address found in your AXESS student file. Please keep it current. The Payroll office mails 1042s to non-US citizens by March 15th. If you do not receive your taxable income statement(s) by the dates above, please submit a HelpSU ticket at http://helpsu.stanford.edu (Category: Central Offices, Type: Payroll).

Resources for Tax Forms and Questions:

Stanford's Controller's Office

Bechtel International Center:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - 800.829.3676
U.S. Federal Income Tax

Franchise Tax Board (FTB) - 800. 338.0505
California State Income Tax

For Payroll/NRA Taxation, regarding scholars supported by salary or by stipend, please submit a HelpSU ticket at http://helpsu.stanford.edu (Category: Central Offices, Type: Payroll)

**last updated 03/06/15**

Stanford Medicine Resources:

Footer Links: