Employers will send a statement of income earned and applicable taxes withheld (W-2) and/or tax treaty benefits claimed (1042-S). Form 1099 would be sent by either Banks to show interest or income earned through their services or you would receive it if you worked for a temporary or staffing agency or worked as a consultant. Information on these forms will assist in completing federal and state tax returns.
1. Form W-2
This form shows all income earned and income tax at the state and federal level that is withheld. Workers receive a W-2 for each employer and thus may have multiple W-2's to use. The USC W-2 can be received either online or by mail. Online is quicker and limits the chance it could be lost in the mail. Students who wish to receive their W-2's online must be signed-up for online delivery through W-2 eXpress by December 31st. Otherwise it will be mailed.
When mailing the W-2, students must make sure UPS has their most current mailing address. It is not pulled directly from OASIS. The W-2 will be mailed to the address currently showing on the student's USC paycheck or stipend check. If this address is incorrect, notify the department's Home Department Coordinator (HDC) immediately and provide the update to be submitted to UPS no later than December 31st. Email payroll@usc.edu for assistance.
Anyone who does not receive a W-2 and believes they should have, or lost their original, please contact University Payroll Services at payroll@usc.edu or visit the UPS website.
2. Form 1042-S
The purpose of this form is to report U.S. taxable income and U.S. income tax withholding for:
- Scholarships, fellowships or grants awarded to students or postdoctoral fellows and compensation for services rendered.
- Income claimed as exempt from U.S. income tax under a tax treaty. Treaties are claimed by filing form 8233.
If a student did not receive a 1042-S, and believes they should have, or lost it, please contact USC payroll at payroll@usc.edu or visit the USC payroll website.
For mailing of the 1042-S Students must make sure University Payroll Services has their most current mailing address by December 31st. It is not pulled directly from OASIS. 1042-S will be mailed to the address currently showing on a student's USC paycheck or stipend check. If this address is incorrect, Students should notify their Home Department Coordinator (HDC) immediately and provide the update to be submitted to University Payroll Services no later than December 31st. Email payroll@usc.edu for assistance or visit the University Payroll Services website.
If a student has not yet received their Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer ID (ITIN), they will see a placeholder number on their 1042-S which begins with “90” and is followed by your seven-digit USC employee number. This placeholder number issued by University Payroll Services, is NOT a valid SSN or ITIN and cannot be used to complete tax returns.
3. Form 1099
This form shows any interest earned on bank account, stocks, funds, etc. which students may need to claim. It also reflects any income earned through a temporary or staffing agency or if a student was hired as an independent consultant.
4. Form 1098-T
The majority of international students are NOT eligible to claim education expense tax credits on their federal tax forms as they are not:
* U.S. Citizens
* Permanent Residents (PR)
* Married to a citizen or PR
* Can legally be claimed as a dependent by a U.S. citizen or PR, or
* Have been in the US long enough to file taxes as a resident for federal tax purposes
For more information about eligibility, please review IRS Publication 970
USC employees cannot assist you with your specific tax questions, so you should consult with a qualified tax professional if you need assistance.
Also, a "dummy" or generic placeholder Social Security Number (SSN) may appear on this form. If a student does not have an SSN and has been issued a "dummy" SSN, this place holder number is not a valid SSN to use for non-tax purposes.
Please contact the USC Bursar Office with any questions.
Filing for Taxes
Use Forms W-2, 1042-S and 1099, if received and applicable, to fill out your federal and state tax forms. For additional information go to IRS website.