For some Syracuse University students, filing their tax returns went on a list of “things to do” alongside studying for tests and writing papers. Those who haven’t filed by today, though, will have to move it to the top of the list.

Today is the deadline for taxpayers to declare their income and settle their tax obligation with federal and state authorities. Throughout the year, employers deduct taxes from their employees’ earnings. With today’s declaration, the government can tell whether an employee deserves more or less money than what he or she received in his or her paycheck.

Many college students have had or do have a job, including some employed by the university. SU employs about 4,000 students throughout campus, half of whom have federal work study, a form of need-based financial aid. Even those students must pay taxes on the federally sponsored money because it is a form of income, said Dawn Janis, the manager of human resources student employment services.

With college a step closer to parental emancipation, many students had to file their own taxes for the first time this year and have enlisted the services of tax professionals. Shirley Bergsbaken, the office manager at H & R Block at 2140 W. Genesee St., said that many students have called with questions about their tax returns. Bergsbaken said that many students are surprised to find out that they owe money to the government, even if they are dependent.

‘Being a student doesn’t exempt you from having [taxable income],’ she said.

Also, SU students, 57 percent of whom are not New York state residents, have also been confused as to which state to file under.

‘As a general rule, you pay taxes to the state where your license plate is from,’ said Gail Reese, a tax professional from H & R Block’s Shoppingtown Mall location in DeWitt.

With professional advice and help from parents, most students were in pretty good shape to file for their own taxes.

‘I did my taxes during spring break,’ said Patrick Keenan, a management and information studies sophomore. ‘It was just easier to get them done at home.’

While some students chose to file their own taxes, others opted to have their parents file for them. Either way, April 15’s deadline for filing for taxes, unlike papers or exams, is something with which every citizen has to deal.

Published on April 14, 2003 at 12:00 pm