The W-2 form reports employee salaries and wages, as well as other required information. Typically, individuals must attach W-2s to the individual tax return when it is filed.
Foreign nationals may also receive W-2s for salaries and wages, with one exception. He or she may also receive form 1042-S. Form 1042-S reports salary and wages exempt from taxation under a tax treaty, the W-2 form will report the taxable salary and wages.
Form 1099-MISC reports the following non-employee payments to the IRS:
Prizes
Awards
Fees for services
Royalties
See the IRS Forms and Publications for more information. If you have questions regarding the 1099-MISC form you received, or if you did not receive one when you believe your should have, email us at tax@cornell.edu.
Starting with the calendar year 2018, Form 1098-T reports payments made for tuition and related expenses versus the amounts billed for tuition and related expenses. The 1098-T also reports financial aid awarded to students enrolled in courses at Cornell during the calendar year for which they receive academic credit.
Form 1098-E reports the amount of interest paid on a student loan. Each student receiving a 1098-E form is responsible for determining whether he or she is eligible to deduct the interest in accordance with IRS regulations.
Form 1042-S reports wage payments for foreign nationals who are exempt from U.S. taxation under a tax treaty. This form is also used to report non-wage payments for foreign nationals who are also nonresident aliens. Foreign nationals qualified to receive the 1042-S must attach the form to their tax returns.
Wages subject to U.S. taxation are reported on a W-2 form, not the 1042-S form.