All postdocs are required to file a tax return.
For non-resident aliens (as most foreign postdocs are defined), the procedure is not the same as for regular US citizens.
The International Scholars and Faculty Visa Services, together with Global Connections, offers volunteer tax help
to complete your (and your spouses) tax returns. The service is being offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays,
March 5, 2008 through April 10, 2008.
To sign up, you need to go to the International Scholars and Faculty Visa Services office, in the James M. Elliott Building
(formerly the Rider I building), and sign up for an appointment time in the folder they have there.
Many (but not all) international postdocs are eligible not to pay some or all of their federal income tax under tax treaties.
This depends on what country you came from. The authoritative guide is Publication 901 from the IRS. Look in the section on Professors, Teachers, and Researchers. To claim your exemption, you will need to fill in a form at the payroll office. This needs to be done every year (before January), payroll will not do it automatically nor remind you.
If you did pay tax when you didn't need to, you can request it back when you file your tax return.
