What is a Tax Return?

Every year the US government (Federal) and the individual state governments (in most cases for everyone at UC this would be Ohio), require that we file what is known as a Tax Return to each government. A tax “return” is type of “report” that you will send to each government (Federal and State) that states how much you earned, were taxed, and should have been taxed during the year 2011. So you are “returning a report” on your taxes for 2011. Most of you will have until April 17, 2012 to file this tax return for 2011. Some of you may get a Refund (because you paid too much in taxes), some of you may Owe (because you did not pay enough taxes). It is called a “Return” because you are “Returning a Report”, it is not a process that means you will have your taxes returned/refunded automatically. A RETURN = A REPORT

Special Note for 2012: We have been notified by the IRS that it may take four months for them to process anyone’s return that is reporting a refund.

Who needs to file an Income Tax Return (Report)?

Everyone who was physically present in the United States on a F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, H-1B, TN, or O immigration status for any time between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 (even if it was for one day) must file a 2011 Federal Income Tax Return.

This includes dependents (F-2s, J-2s) regardless of their age. 2011 Federal Income Tax Returns are to be completed and mailed (postmarked) by April 17, 2012. If you are currently overseas or received no U.S. income during 2011 the deadline for you is (postmarked by) June 15, 2012.