Stimulus Payments and Unemployment Benefits and Public Charge…Oh, my!

Published On: April 29, 2020
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If you were thinking of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, specifically the “Lions and tigers and bears!, Oh, my!” scene, we understand. We are living in an extraordinary period and there has been a lot of communication and updates recently that may impact our international visitors. It can be hard to keep up with what is happening and how it may or may not impact your status. Hopefully the OIS is able to breakdown some of this information for you.

First, when it comes to filing or answering tax related questions, the OIS is not equipped to provide guidance. We are not experts. If you have not taken the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the OIS website, please review the tax resources. The tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020. This past March, the OIS sent out an email to our international visitors with information on a tax preparation software. This online tool provides easy-to-use federal tax preparation software along with an extension online library that will help you file your tax forms if you are considered a non-resident for taking filing purposes. You’ll need to refer back to this email and there is a specific hyperlink that you need to use. These emails were sent out to your uthscsa email accounts. If you are unable to find the email, please contact us at international@uthscsa.edu. Next, those who are no longer eligible to use the software OIS purchased because you are considered a resident (for tax purposes only) can reach out to VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). VITA is available for individuals and families that earn $55,000 a year or less. VITA is still able to assist individuals via their drive-thru system. Below is their contact information and a listing of what documents you would need to supply them in order to assist you with tax preparation.

Guadalupe Community Center, 1801 W César E Chávez Blvd / (210) 226-6178
Hours and days of operation are the following:  Monday – Friday from 9am – 430pm.
Clients can drop off tax documents through the VITA drive-thru. Tax returns are typically prepared and returned within 72 hours.
Website: https://ccaosa.org/tax-preparation/

The following items are needed to prepare your tax return:

  • Proof of Identification—Driver’s License or Photo I.D. – copy will be made
  • Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification – copy will be made
  • Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse and dependents
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Current year’s tax package if you received one
  • Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks(Forms 1099-INT)
  • A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available
  • Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit
  • Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security Number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number)
  • Bring Form 1095-A if you have purchased health insurance through the Obamacare
  • If eligible to receive education credits, the school’s taxpayer identification number is needed

The second topic tied to the tax discussion is the current stimulus payment. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides stimulus payments to U.S. taxpayers, including lawful permanent residents (also known as “green card” holders) and certain individuals in nonimmigrant status. The good news is that those international visitors that are eligible for a stimulus payment can accept these payments. For the most part, if you are getting a stimulus check, it is because you are classified as a resident for tax purposes only. Also, this stimulus payment will not impact Public Charge.

Receiving of unemployment benefits may not impact the Public Charge Rule but keep in mind that may impact your immigration status or eligibility for those said benefits. Unemployment benefits are also determined by state, so depending on where you located, you would need to check with the state. The gist of being able to accept unemployment benefits is that an individual is willing and able to accept employment (pretty much any employment opportunity). That doesn’t work for most of our international visitors as specific non-immigrant visa status that one holds may not allow that for such an opportunity. For example, an individual in F-1 status who has been approved for work authorization period (Optional Practical Training or STEM OPT) is required to work in the field of study that they earned their degree in and not just any job.

If you have questions, please contact the OIS by emailing international@uthsca.edu or email your International Services Representative. We hope that you are staying well and healthy.

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Article Categories: Immigration, News, Taxes