Archive for April, 2019

  • April 29, 2019

    Missed the US tax deadline? Here’s what to do

    Filing your tax return late Sprintax

    Tax season is over for another year (phew!).

    Every international student or J-1 participant in the US was obliged to file a tax return before the 15 April deadline.

    But what happens if you didn’t file your return? What should you do next?

    Filing late

    Firstly it’s important to note that, by not filing your tax return, you can severely jeopardise your chances of securing a US visa or Green Card in the future.

    The second point to keep in mind is that failure to file a tax return may result in you being hit with fines or penalties.

    There are two different types of penalties that you may be subjected to – late filing and late payment.

    The late filing fees are much more significant than the late payment costs. That’s why it’s a good idea to file your tax return as soon as you can, even if you’re not in a position to pay your tax bill.

    Simply put, the sooner you file, the less you’ll have to pay in penalties.

    US tax return prep

    US tax late filing & payment penalties

    • A failure-to-file penalty may apply if you did not file by the deadline. Similarly a failure-to-pay penalty may also apply if you did not pay all of the taxes you owe by the tax filing deadline.
    • The failure-to-file penalty is generally more severe than the failure-to-pay penalty. This is why you should file your tax return on time each year, even if you’re not able to pay all the taxes you owe by the due date.
    • The penalty for filing late is normally 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month (or part month) that a tax return is late. That penalty starts accruing the day after the tax filing due date and will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes.
    • If you do not pay your taxes by the tax deadline, you will normally face a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% of your unpaid taxes. That penalty applies for each month or part of a month after the due date and starts accruing the day after the tax-filing due date.
    • If both the 5% failure-to-file penalty and the 0.5% failure-to-pay penalties apply in any month, the maximum penalty that you’ll pay for both is 5%.
    • If you file your return more than 60 days after the due date or extended due date, the minimum penalty is $135 or 100% of the unpaid tax (whichever is less).

    So what should you do if you can’t afford to pay your outstanding tax liability in full?

    Firstly, you should pay as much as you can when you’re filing your tax return. This way you can minimize any penalties and interest charges imposed.

    Next, you can contact the IRS and request a payment plan or installment agreement which will allow you to pay your tax bill in set amounts every month.

    To establish a payment plan, simply apply online with the IRS payment agreement.

    Avoid US tax penalties and fines

    Due a tax refund?

    If you’re entitled to a tax refund, you will not have to pay any penalties for filing your tax return late.

    You have until 14 April 2022 (15 October 2022 with an extension) to file a 2018 tax return if you are due a refund for that tax year.

    If you don’t file by then, the US Treasury will keep your hard earned money!

    Double check your State’s tax deadline

    Did you know that not every State has their tax deadline set for 15 April?

    If you’re obliged to submit a tax return for any of the following states, you’ll still have time to meet the deadline.

    • Iowa – April 30th 2019
    • Virginia – May 1st 2019
    • Louisiana – May 15th 2019

    How to tell if you owe money to the IRS or you’re due a tax refund

    Easy US tax filing

    Sprintax is the only online Federal and State self-prep tax software for nonresidents in the US.

    We take the stress out of US tax prep. Our system will assist you in preparing fully compliant Federal and State tax returns and also enable you to use any tax deduction and benefits you’re entitled to and maximize your legal tax refund.

    The average State tax refund that Sprintax customers received last year was $328.

    How Sprintax will help you?

    When you create your Sprintax account you’ll be asked a few easy questions. Once you complete the short form, you will then be able to download your fully completed and compliant 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ (nonresident tax return) based on the information you provided.

    Sprintax is also the ‘go-to’ tax preparation software for numerous major universities in the US including, Columbia University, Arizona State University, Illinois Institute of Technology and Cornell University.  We’re also the nonresident partner of choice for TurboTax.

    With Sprintax you can:

    • Save time and stress!
    • Determine your residency status
    • Prepare a fully compliant US tax return
    • Maximize your State tax refund
    • Avail of our 24/7 Vita Qualified Live Chat facility

    Prepare your US tax return today!

    Subscribe to the Sprintax Blog!

    US tax can be confusing. Especially for nonresidents!

    That’s why, if you’re an International Student or J-1 participant in the US, or you work in a University International Student Office, you should subscribe to the Sprintax blog.

    You’ll find tons of useful content for nonresidents. We cover tax, student life, acclimatizing to the US and much more.

    So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and never miss a thing!





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  • April 23, 2019

    Where’s My Tax Refund?

    USA flag and American dollars. American flag blowing in the wind and 100 dollars banknotes in the background. USA flag and American dollars. American flag blowing in the wind and 100 dollars banknotes in the background

    Filed your tax return and wondering where your refund is? Here’s how you can keep up to speed with your refund

    Phew! The tricky part is over.

    With your tax return safely filed, you’re probably wondering ‘how long will it be before I receive my tax refund?’

    Fortunately you can now get information about your tax refund online.

    Here’s what you need to know…

    Your Federal tax refund 

    Generally the IRS advises that you will have to wait 4 to 6 weeks after you mail your return before you receive your money.

    If you would like to keep updated with the status of your Federal tax refund, you can do so by using the IRS’ online “Where’s My Refund?” tool.

    The system will ask you for the following:

    • Your Social Security Number, or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
    • Your filing status (Single or Married Filing Separate Return for non-residents)
    • The exact dollar refund amount shown on your tax return

    It’s a good idea to have a copy of your federal tax return on hand so you can easily enter the required information.

    You can also check the status of your refund over the phone by calling one of the following numbers:

    • The IRS Refund Hotline – 800-829-1954. This number, available 24/7, is specifically for calls regarding tax refunds.
    • The IRS TeleTax system – 800-829-4477. This provides general tax information as well as your current refund status. It is also available 24/7

    US tax refund

    Your State tax refund

    Firstly Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming don’t have income tax. If you received income such as wages, scholarship or any other earnings and/or income, you would not have been required to file a State tax return and you will therefore have no entitlement to a State tax refund.

    In addition, New Hampshire and Tennessee only tax interest and dividend income, not wages, scholarship, earnings, or other type of income.

    For all other States, you can check the status of your State tax refund by using the useful links listed below.

    Alabama (AL)

    The Alabama Department of Revenue advises that it usually takes 8-12 weeks for tax filers to receive a refund from the date a return is accepted.

    To check the status of your Alabama state tax refund, go to My Alabama Taxes and then click ‘Check on My Refund Status’.

    For more information, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue.

    Arizona (AZ)

    Arizona tax prep made easy

    The Arizona Department of Revenue advises that the processing of a paper filed tax return can take up to 12 weeks to process.  For a refund to be direct deposited or mailed, it may take up to an additional seven days from the date the tax return processing was completed.

    You can check the status of your Arizona state tax refund here.

    Or, for more information, contact the Arizona Department of Revenue.

    Arkansas (AR)

    It can take up to 6 weeks after the date your return was accepted to receive a refund from the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration.

    To check the status of your Arkansas State tax refund, simply follow this link (and click ‘Where’s My Refund?’)

    For more information, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (see the ‘Individual Income Tax’ section).

    California (CA)

    The State of California Franchise Tax Board says that it can take approximately 4 weeks to receive a refund (for paper filed returns). Some tax returns need extra review for accuracy, completeness, and to protect taxpayers from fraud and identity theft and extra processing time may be necessary in these cases.

    To check the status of your California State tax refund, simply follow this link.

    For more information, contact the California Franchise Tax Board.

    Colorado (CO)

    Colarado State tax prep

    Follow this link to check the status of your Colorado state tax refund, and then click ‘Check the Status of Your Refund’.

    Or you can find more information about your refund here or by contacting the Colorado Department of Revenue.

    Connecticut (CT)

    According to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, it can take 10 – 12 weeks to process a paper return.

    Follow this link to check the status of your Connecticut state tax refund (and then click ‘Check on the Status of Your Refund’).

    For more information, contact the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS).

    Delaware (DE)

    The Delaware Division of Revenue advises that has announced it can take approximately 6 weeks to receive a refund from the date a tax return is accepted.

    Follow this link to check the status of your Delaware state tax refund.

    Further information, can be found by contacting the Delaware Division of Revenue.

    District of Columbia (DC)

    The D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue advises that it can take 2 to 3 weeks for processing and issuance of a refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your D.C. tax refund and click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button.

    For more information, contact the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue.

    Georgia (GA)

    Georgia tax refunds made easy

    The Georgia Income Tax Division has said that it can take 90 business days to process a return and issue a tax refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your Georgia tax refund (click on the Where’s My Refund? button).

    For more information, contact the Georgia Department of Revenue.

    Hawaii (HI)

    Typically, it takes 9-10 weeks for the Hawaii Department of Taxation to process a tax refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your Hawaii tax refund (click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    For more information, contact the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

    Idaho (ID)

    The Idaho State Tax Commission advises that it can take 10-11 weeks to process a return and issue a refund.

    To check the status of your refund simply follow this link (and click the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    For more details you can contact the Idaho State Tax Commission.

    Illinois (IL)

    You can check the status of your Illinois tax refund here.

    For more information contact the Illinois Department of Revenue here.

    Indiana (IN)

    Indiana state tax refunds

    The Indiana Department of Revenue says that it can take approximately 10 weeks to process a return and issue a refund.

    You can check the status of your Indiana tax refund here, or alternatively, if you’d like further information, contact the Indiana Department of Revenue.

    Iowa (IA)

    According to the Iowa Income Tax Department of Revenue and Finance, it can take approximately 3 weeks to process a return and issue a refund.

    Check the status of your Iowa tax refund here.

    Or for more information, contact the Iowa Department of Revenue.

    Kansas (KS)

    The Kansas Department of Revenue has announced that the normal processing time for a paper tax return is 16 weeks.

    Follow this link to check the status of your Kansas tax refund.

    And more information, can be obtained by contacting the Kansas Division of Taxation for Individuals.

    Kentucky (KY)

    The Kentucky Revenue Cabinet advises that you will typically have to wait 8-12 weeks before you will receive your tax refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your Kentucky tax refund and click on the ‘Check Refund Status online’ button.

    For more information, contact the Kentucky Department of Revenue.

    Louisiana (LA)

    Louisiana State tax refunds

    The Louisiana Department of Revenue says that processing time for paper returns is 12-16 weeks from the date the return was mailed.

    You can check the status of your Louisiana tax refund here.

    Or for more information, contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue or call 1-855-307-3893.

    Maine (ME)

    The Maine Revenue Services advises that tax refunds can take up to 14 days to be processed.

    Check the status of your Maine tax refund here .

    For more information, you can contact the Maine Revenue Services Department directly here.

    Maryland (MD)

    The Maryland Controller of the Treasury has outlined announced that the processing of paper returns takes approximately 30 days.

    If you would like an update on your tax refund, you can check the status here.

    Need more info? Simply contact the Comptroller of Maryland.

    Massachusetts (MA)

    You can check the status of your Massachusetts tax refund here (click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    And you can find more information, by contacting the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

    Michigan (MI)

    Michigan state tax refunds

    The Michigan Department of the Treasury says it can take approximately 8 weeks to process a return and issue a refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your Michigan tax refund and click on the ‘Check my tax and refund information’ option.

    For more information, contact the Michigan Department of Treasury.

    Minnesota (MN)

    If you filed a Minnesota State tax return, you will probably have to wait 6 weeks for your tax refund.

    You can check the status of your refund here. And you can find any further information you require by contacting the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

    Mississippi (MS)

    Check the status of your Mississippi tax refund here.

    Or contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue for more information.

    Missouri (MO)

    The Missouri Department of Revenue advises that it can take 8-10 weeks to process a tax return and issue a refund.

    Check the status of your Missouri tax refund here.

    For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.

    Montana (MT)

    Montana State tax refunds

    The Montana Department of Revenue has detailed that it can take approximately 8 weeks to process a return and issue a tax refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your tax refund (click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    Or for more information, contact the Montana Department of Revenue.

    Nebraska (NE)

    The Nebraska Department of Revenue has announced it can take 15-21 days to process a return and issue a refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your Nebraska tax refund.

    More details can be found by contacting the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

    New Jersey (NJ)

    According to the New Jersey State Department, it can take 12 weeks or longer to process a return and issue a refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your New Jersey tax refund.

    Or for more information, contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation.

    New Mexico (NM)

    The New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department has said that it can take approximately 8-12 weeks to process a tax return and issue a refund.

    To check the status of your New Mexico tax refund, follow this link (and click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    For more information, contact the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.

    New York (NY)

    Easy New York State Tax Return

    The New York State Processing Center usually issues refunds 8-12 weeks after they receive a tax return.

    You can check the status of your New York tax refund here (click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’) button.

    Or for more information, contact the Department of Taxation and Finance.

    North Carolina (NC)

    The North Carolina Department of Revenue has announced it can take approximately 12 weeks to process a return and issue a refund.

    Follow this link to check the status of your North Carolina tax refund (click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    For more information, contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

    North Dakota (ND)

    The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner says that it can take approximately 6 weeks to process a return and issue a refund.

    You can follow this link to check the status of your North Dakota tax refund (click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    Or for more information, contact the North Dakota Office of the State Tax Commissioner.

    Ohio (OH)

    The Ohio Department of Taxation advises that it can take a minimum of 30 days to process a return and issue a tax refund.

    You can check the status of your Ohio tax refund here and find more information by contacting the Ohio Department of Taxation directly.

    Oklahoma (OK)

    Easy Oklahoma tax return

    Follow this link to check the status of your Oklahoma tax refund.

    And for more information, you can contact the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

    Oregon (OR)

    You can check the status of your Oregon tax refund here.

    And for more information, you can contact the Oregon Department of Revenue.

    Pennsylvania (PA)

    According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue it can take 3 to 4 weeks for a tax refund to be processed.

    Check the status of your Pennsylvania tax refund here (click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    More information can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

    Rhode Island (RI)

    The Rhode Island Division of Taxation says it can take 5 to 7 weeks to process a tax return and issue a refund.

    Simply follow this link to check the status of your Rhode Island tax refund.

    For more information, contact the Rhode Island Division of Taxation directly.

    South Carolina (SC)

    Follow this link to check the status of your South Carolina tax refund.

    For more information, contact South Carolina Department of Revenue.

    Utah (UT)

    Easy Utah tax returns

    The Utah State Tax Commission says that it can take 90 days to process a return and issue a refund.

    If you would like to check the status of your Utah tax refund, you can do so here (click on the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ button).

    For more information, contact the Utah State Tax Commission.

    Vermont (VT)

    The Vermont Department of Taxes advises that it can take approximately 8 weeks to process a return and issue a refund.

    You can check the status of your Vermont tax refund here (click ‘Individuals’ and then ‘Check the status of my return’).

    For more information, contact Vermont Department of Taxes directly. 

    Virginia (VA)

    The Virginia Department of Taxation says it can take up to 8 weeks to process a tax return and issue a refund.

    Simply follow this link to check the status of your Virginia tax refund.

    For more information, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation.

    West Virginia (WV)

    Follow this link to check the status of your West Virginia state refund.

    Wisconsin (WI)

    You can check your Wisconsin refund status here and find more information by contacting the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

    Haven’t filed your tax return yet?

    Easy US tax prep

    Better late than never!

    The April 15 deadline may have passed but you can still claim your tax refund.

    Sprintax is the easiest way to prepare your Federal and State tax returns.

    So what are you waiting for?

    File your tax return and claim your cash today!

    Get started here.

    Subscribe to the Sprintax Blog!

    US tax can be confusing. Especially for nonresidents!

    That’s why, if you’re an International Student or J-1 participant in the US, or you work in a University International Student Office, you should subscribe to the Sprintax blog.

    You’ll find tons of useful content for nonresidents. We cover tax, student life, acclimatizing to the US and much more.

    So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and never miss a thing!





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