NRA Tax Facts
It is expected that all faculty, staff and students will make every effort to comply with federal and state tax laws to ensure institutional compliance.
Nonresident Alien Tax Office
We ensure institutional compliance with nonresident alien (NRA) tax withholding regulations and act as a resource for all NRAs associated with TU.
IRS Warns of Email Scam Targeting Students
Please see the Urgent IRS Warning to Students/Higher ED Personnel targeted by an “IRS Impersonation” email scam.
If you receive a message that appears to be from the IRS, Do NOT OPEN, Click Links or Reply with information! The IRS DOES NOT contact by email without prior consent.
Disclaimer
The tax information on this page is provided as a service to foreign nationals who have a connection with Towson University. It was written for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax advice, nor is it a complete source of tax regulations. The function of the Nonresident Alien Tax Office is an administrative one for Towson University purposes only. Information regarding immigration, employment, and tax filing regulations are the responsibility of each foreign national who receives payment from Towson University.
Our Services
Our specialists evaluate payments to beneficiaries who are not U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to determine appropriate tax withholding rates and reporting methods in compliance with IRS regulations. Using Glacier™ tax software, we can provide relevant information and assistance related to U.S. tax withholding and tax filing requirements for foreign nationals receiving payment from TU. If you would like to learn more about NRA tax, please read our policies and procedures (PDF).
Paying International Visitors, Guest Speakers, Performers and Lecturers
If you are a TU faculty or staff member who wants to make a payment to a foreign national (someone who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident alien), the NRA Tax Office is here to assist you. Be sure to work with the ISSO to officially invite the guest to campus, and note the type of visa status (PDF) an individual carries may impact their ability to accept payment from TU.
To expedite payment, please email the name and email address of the visitor along with dates of engagement and payment detail to nratax AT_TOWSON as early as possible. We will work with the guest and department to set up an online tax record in Glacier™ and advise on tax implications, available treaty benefits and options for payment. Departments should submit an executed International Payment Form (PDF) to the NRA Tax Office to accommodate payment for an honorarium, guest speaker fee and/or travel reimbursement to an international visitor.
International Student and Scholar Tax Information
As an international student, researcher or faculty member at Towson University, it is important that you are aware of your U.S. tax obligations. The NRA Tax Office is here to assist our international community by providing information and guidance in meeting these obligations, however, we are not certified tax professionals, and do not prepare tax returns.
The NRA Tax Office uses Glacier™ tax software to analyze and determine U.S. tax status, and based on the outcome, we can provide relevant tools and tax resources. If you are unsure of your US tax status and need tax help, please contact nratax AT_TOWSON to work with a representative who can provide personalized assistance. Detailed tax information can be found on our Tax Information page.