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Old 02-29-2012, 12:03 PM
 
97 posts, read 182,181 times
Reputation: 48

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...The tribulations of young-twenty somethings. Sigh.

Hi everyone,

I'm an international graduate student from Canada (insert 'eh') and about to file my first tax returns here (...or I might be a little behind schedule in the US timetable?).

I've never filed taxes in the US before, and given my international status I don't really know how to make the most of it so that I get a good return (once again: grad student).

Could anyone here recommend me a good and helpful tax-filing person/service in Austin (ideally familiar with international & student taxes) that would help me a) gather all the right forms, file everything and get a decent return?

UT's international student office does offer tax services but according to what I've heard, it's mostly a matter of confirming that you've checked all the boxes (and not about getting you the most return).
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Old 03-02-2012, 09:23 AM
 
Location: Austin, TX
1,825 posts, read 2,827,853 times
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Not familiar with local Austin preparers (though I'm sure somebody here is) but you aren't behind schedule - United States federal tax returns aren't due until April 15 and I think it's a couple days later this year due to the weekend.
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Old 03-02-2012, 09:35 AM
 
Location: Austin, TX
16,787 posts, read 49,063,260 times
Reputation: 9478
I've used Laura Harris for years and think very highly of her.

Laura Harris, Harris & Whitehouse, P.C., (512) 479-4152 Kojzarek CPA, PC.

You should be aware that there is only so much a tax preparer can do for you after the year is over to maximize your return. You really need to keep in mind throughout the year what you need to be doing to reduce your taxes. However, if you are a typical student with limited income and very little property, it is pretty straight forward. There is not much you can take advantage of in the tax laws if you do not have a lot of medical bills or mortgage debt, charitable donations and other deductions sufficient to itemize.
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Old 03-02-2012, 11:43 AM
 
737 posts, read 1,582,696 times
Reputation: 417
You file return
You might get a refund

just putting that terminology out there
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Old 03-02-2012, 01:51 PM
 
Location: Austin, TX
16,787 posts, read 49,063,260 times
Reputation: 9478
Quote:
Originally Posted by janejanejanejanejane View Post
You file return
You might get a refund

just putting that terminology out there
That is true, if you didn't know what you were doing tax wise during the year you could find out that you owe money.
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