File Your US Taxes with Sprintax
Whilst you can file your taxes yourself, it can get very confusing!
This is why we are providing the following information and a link to Sprintax who are a specialised resource available for nonresidents that provides online Federal and State tax preparation software specifially for non residents of the US. the process is different for non residents than it is for US residents and tat is why we wanted to ensure you have all the correct information. You can file your US taxes with Sprintax here.
Who must file tax forms ?
When you work in the US you're obligated to send at least one form, Form 8843, to the US tax agency IRS (Internal Revenue Service), even if you had no income with a deadline in April following the year you were working.
If a nonresident J1, Q1or H2B participant earns any US income, they will need to file a federal tax return with the IRS by law. Failure to file a Federal tax return will breach IRS regulations and may inhibit participants from returning to the US on any future visas. Depending on the individual circumstances, you may also need to file a state tax return(s).
Tax Filing Deadline:
April is the last day for residents and non-residents who earned US income to file Federal tax returns, the exact date changes each year.
Resident or Non-Resident for Federal Tax Purposes:
Generally, most people who work on a J-1 / Q1 or H2b visa are non-residents for tax purposes. The above visas are automatically considered non-residents for 2 out of the last 6 calendar years in the US. If you’ve been in the US for longer than 2 years for the last 6 years period, the Substantial Presence Test will determine your tax residency. Sprintax will confirm your tax residency for you.
How to File:
Sprintax is a resource available for nonresidents that provides online Federal and State tax preparation software for non-residents in the US. You can file your US taxes with Sprintax here.
After you login to Sprintax, it will ask you a series of questions about the time you have spent in the United States and in which immigration status, looking back over a period of years. Sprintax will then determine your tax status. If it determines that you are a "nonresident alien" (NRA) for federal tax purposes, you can continue to use it to respond to a series of guided questions. Sprintax will complete and generate the forms you need to send to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). If it determines you are a resident alien for federal tax purposes, you won't be able to continue using the software.
Step by Step guide on How to File Your Non-Resident Tax Forms (J and F)
You can file your US taxes with Sprintax here.
1. Gather the documents you may need for Sprintax
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Document
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Description
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| ✔ |
Passport |
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| ✔ |
Visa/Immigration information, including form I-20 (F status) or form DS-2019 (J status) |
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| ✔ |
Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (if you have one) |
This is not needed if you had no income and the 8843 is the only form you have to file. |
| ✔* |
W-2 |
This form reports your wage earnings if you worked. If you had more than one employer you should get a W-2 from each employer. It is issued by the end of January for the previous year. Make sure all employers from last year have an up-to-date address for you. If you are an Au Pair you can use your bank statements to report your US income as generally, Au pairs do not receive W-2’ forms. |
| ✔ |
US entry and exit dates for current and past visits to the US |
In addition to passport stamps, you can review or print your US travel history here |
| ✔* |
1099 |
This form reports miscellaneous income. Can be interest on bank accounts, stocks, bonds, dividends, earning through freelance employment |
2. Create a Sprintax Account:
You can create a user account by visiting the Sprintax website and creating a UserID and password or if you have an existing account on Sprintax you can log in using your existing credentials.
3. Follow the Sprintax instructions
If you had No US Income: Sprintax will generate a completed Form 8843 for you and each of your dependents (if you have any).
With US Income: Sprintax will generate your "tax return documents", including either a 1040NR, and/or state tax return depending on your circumstances.
4. (With US income only) If required, complete your state tax return
After you finish your federal return, Sprintax will inform you if you need to complete a state tax return. If so, they will give you the option to use Sprintax for an individual fee. However, it is your choice to use them or to do the state tax return on your own.
5. Mail your completed federal and/or state forms to IRS and/or state tax authorities
Remember to read the mailing instructions that Sprintax provides. If you have dependents, each one must mail their 8843 in a separate envelope. This filing season you may be able to e-file your Federal tax return directly to the IRS through Sprintax if you are eligible to do so. You will still need to print, sign and mail your state tax return if applicable.
Sprintax Educational Tax Videos and Blog:
You also have access to the Sprintax YouTube account where there are a number of educational videos on non-resident taxes to provide further clarity on the subject of using Sprintax and non-resident tax. There is also a Sprintax Blog which go through tax related topics and can be of use to you. You can also access the recording of a Sprintax webinar covering nonresident tax for J-1 participants here Sprintax Webinar – An Introduction to Nonresident Tax
DISCLAIMER: Our institution are NOT permitted to assist nonresidents with any IRS tax form preparation or tax related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office.
You can file your US taxes with Sprintax here.
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