SSN and Taxes

Social Security Cards

Due to COVID-19, those requesting documents from the Social Security Administration are experiencing longer wait times than usual or no response at all. Please contact the OISS for more information.

Students in F-1 or J-1 status are not eligible for a Social Security number without offer of employment. If you require evidence of ineligibility for a Social Security number in order to apply for a state driver license, you may go directly to the Social Security Administration office and request a letter of ineligibility to submit with your driver license application. To get the letter of ineligibility bring the following items to the Social Security Office:

Passport with I-94
I-20 or DS-2019
IUSB Student ID Card

Students may begin employment before applying for a Social Security number, but must apply for a Social Security number immediately after beginning employment.

To apply for a Social Security number, take the following documents to the Social Security office

Secure employment

Complete an application for a Social Security number (Form SS-5
SS-5 Form

Be able to show original documents proving your:

Identity
- Passport
- Student ID or driver license
Immigration status
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (white card in your passport)
- F-1 students: I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student
- J-1 students: DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor
Work eligibility
- Letter from OISS (you may omit this if you have all other documents in order)
- Employment offer letter from employer including
  - Your job;
  - Your employment start date;
  - The number of hours you will be working; and
  - Your supervisor's name and telephone number.
Age
- If your passport is less than one year old, you must present your ORIGINAL birth certificate.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. You must apply in person. Do not mail your immigration documents or passport.

The South Bend Social Security Administration office, 602 S. Michigan St. Phone: 877-326-0098 Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, except federal holidays. The public South Bend Transpo bus can take you from IU South Bend to the down bus station which is across the street from the Social Security office.

You must be in active immigration status in order to apply for a Social Security number. Therefore new students should wait at least 10 business days after the OISS registers you in the SEVIS system. Once you apply expect to wait between 2-10 weeks for your card. Your card will be sent to the address you write on your application. If you are unsure of your local address or your address will change before your card comes, it is possible to have the card sent "in care of" the Office of International Student Services at IU South Bend, "c/o Office of International Student Services, 1700 Mishawaka Ave., P.O. Box 7111, South Bend, IN 46634-7111."

There is no charge for a Social Security Number.

Taxes

Tax Requirement for F1

Form 8843

Federal and State Tax Information

Tax Filing Resources

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

(for assistance filing federal tax forms only)
100 E. Wayne St.
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 236-8149

IRS tax information number (Free Service): 1-800-829-1040
IRS Website

Indiana Department of Revenue

(for assistance filing state of Indiana tax forms only)
105 E. Jefferson Blvd #350 
South Bend, IN 46601
 (574) 291-8270

Indiana Department of Revenue Website

Instructions for State Tax Return

In addition to a federal tax return, you may need to file a state tax returned, based upon your state of residence.

You can use the Sprintax software linked to our tax web pages to complete a state tax return, but please be aware that there is a fee for this service.

To file an electronic return go to Indiana’s free electronic filing system Infreefile and follow the instructions as prompted.

To file a paper form, go to the Indiana Individual Income Tax Forms page. Instructions and required forms can be found in the second table.

University Resources

International Tax Questionnaire Form (FNIS)

ITIN Document Requirements