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  • OPT 중인 유학생을 위한 궁극적인 세금 가이드

    OPT 중인 유학생을 위한 궁극적인 세금 가이드

    (Updated for 2023)

    OPT란?

    OPT(Optional Practical Training)는 F-1를 소지한 유학생들이 12개월 동안 미국에서 일할 수 있도록 실습 기회를 제공하는 제도입니다. STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) 전공자는 12개월에서 24개월까지 실습 기한을 연장할 수 있습니다.

    대개 대학 졸업 후 OPT를 수료하며, 9개월 이상 학위 과정을 밟고 전공 분야에서 일할 자격과 실무 지식을 갖춘 후 OPT를 하기도 합니다.
    Continue reading “OPT 중인 유학생을 위한 궁극적인 세금 가이드” »

  • I am a nonresident in the US. Can I claim any tax treaty benefits?

    US tax treaties guide

    (Last updated: 27 Feb 2023)

    What are tax treaties and how can they help you save money at tax time?

    If you’re a nonresident alien in the US, you may be wondering if there are any tax reliefs available which can help you save money on your tax bill.

    While the answer to this question is likely “yes”, exactly what you will be entitled to will depend on your personal circumstances.

    The best place to start is by checking whether or not you are entitled to any tax treaty benefits.

    The US has signed tax treaty agreements with 67 countries around the world and if you are entitled to benefit from one of these agreements, you could potentially save a lot on your taxes.

    In this guide, we are going to take a closer look at tax treaty benefits – what they are and exactly how you can claim them.

    Continue reading “I am a nonresident in the US. Can I claim any tax treaty benefits?” »

  • Is Sprintax Returns Safe?

    (Last updated: 1 Aug 2023)

    How to securely file your tax return and retrieve your refund 

    Continue reading “Is Sprintax Returns Safe?” »

  • Sprintax安全吗?

    如何安全地提交报税表及取回退款

    每位非居民学生和J-1参与者都有法律义务在4月18日截止日期之前申报纳税.

    对于每年成千上万的非居民来说,报税是令人难以置信的麻烦。

    让我们面对现实吧。即使对美国人来说,美国的税收也是相当复杂的!因此,许多非居民寻求帮助完成纳税申报单是有道理的。

    有无数的税务代理和会计师为国际学生和J-1参与者提供量身定制的美国税务服务。但事实是,并不是每个税务代理人的行为都符合其非居民客户的最佳利益。

    让我们看看那些想要申请税务代理服务的非居民所面临的一些陷阱。 Continue reading “Sprintax安全吗?” »

  • 终极国际学生新生生存指南

    Filing taxes on H1B visa

    恭喜你!你已经被美国的学院或大学录取了。在美国学习的国际学生中,你是百万分之一。

    去美国留学是一个重大决定。搬到一个语言和文化与你在家乡所习惯的完全不同的地方是需要勇气的。

    美国人把他们大学的第一年称为他们的大一,而你在美国的大一将会非常有趣——只要你做好了准备。

    你可能会面临很多挑战,尤其是在你来美国的头几周。但是不用担心,Sprintax会帮助你在大学的第一周准备好应对任何事情。 Continue reading “终极国际学生新生生存指南” »

  • Your US Tax Residency Status Explained

    US residency for tax purposes

    Last updated: 16 January 2023

    Resident or Nonresident – this is the question!

    Determining your tax residency status is important, as it will determine how much tax you must pay while in the US.

    The most common mistake nonresidents make is filing their taxes as a resident. If a nonresident files as a resident they can claim benefits and receive refunds that they’re not entitled to. Incorrect filing breaks the terms and conditions of a nonresident visa, this can lead to fines and penalties and you may also jeopardize your future visa or green card applications.

    In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about your residency and how you can determine your residency status.
    Continue reading “Your US Tax Residency Status Explained” »

  • How to file Form 8843 – instructions for nonresident aliens

    IRS form 8843 instructions

    (Last updated: 1 Aug 2023)

    There are 3 things that every US international student and J-1 visa holder needs to know about American tax:

      1. Every US international student and J-1 visa holder has a tax filing requirement
      2. It doesn’t matter if you have earned income. You must still file your documents before the deadline
      3. The IRS takes this stuff seriously! In other words, if you don’t comply with your tax obligations, you may encounter complications when applying for US visas in the future

    Regardless of whether you have earned income during your time in the US, if you are a nonresident in the US, you will still need to file what’s known as a Form 8843 “Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals With a Medical Condition”.

    This blog post will focus on exactly what you need to do in order to file this form and remain compliant with the IRS.

    NOTE: If you are considered a resident for tax purposes, you are not required to file IRS form 8843.

    Continue reading “How to file Form 8843 – instructions for nonresident aliens” »

  • The Ultimate International Student Freshman Survival Guide

    International Student Survival Guide

    (Updated for 2023)

    Congratulations! You have been accepted into college or university in the US.  That makes you one in around 1 million international students studying in the USA.

    Moving to the US to study is a big decision. It takes courage to move to a new place where the language and culture can be very different from what you’re used to in your home country.

    Americans refer to their first year of college as their freshman year, and your freshman year in the US is going to be a lot of fun – as long as you’re prepared.

    There are plenty of challenges that you may face, especially in your first few weeks in the US… but not to worry, Sprintax are here to help make sure you start your first week of college prepared for just about anything.
    Continue reading “The Ultimate International Student Freshman Survival Guide” »

  • Top 8 tax myths international students in US believe in – DEBUNKED!

    tax myths international students believe in

    George Orwell once said: “Myths that are believed in tend to become true”.

    Well, there might be a grain of truth in what he said but not when it comes to taxes and the U.S. taxation laws.

    As an international student you are not supposed to know the US tax procedures concerning tax return filing by heart but at least you should be aware of the Top 8 tax myths that most international students tend to believe in.

    So do not walk around believing in “old wives’ tax tales and check the most common tax myths DEBUNKED here!

     

    Continue reading “Top 8 tax myths international students in US believe in – DEBUNKED!” »

  • Breaking: Sprintax is Now LIVE For Nonresident Federal E-Filing!

    Sprintax Federal efiling live

    (Last updated: 17 Feb 2023)

    It has never been easier to file your nonresident US federal tax return.

    We are thrilled to announce that Sprintax – the best online solution for nonresident federal and state tax returns – is now live for Federal E-Filing.

    This means that, by completing the easy Sprintax questionnaire, you can file your 2022 federal return directly with the IRS online.

     

    What is E-Filing?

    Sprintax is now approved by the IRS to submit Federal tax returns electronically (E-Filing).

    In short, this means you no longer need to download, print and mail a physical copy of your tax return to the US tax office. Instead, you can now file your federal tax return without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home.

    By E-Filing your tax return, you can ensure that your taxes are processed by the IRS faster than if you filed a paper tax return.

     

    File 1040NR Online

     

    How does E-Filing with Sprintax work?

    When you complete the Sprintax questionnaire and proceed through the order breakdown and payment stage, you will be ready to submit your 2022 US tax return.

    If you wish to E-File your taxes, you must firstly confirm that you have not previously E-Filed your 2021 tax return before.

    You can then click the ‘Proceed with E-File’ button to move to the next step.

     

    E-File Authentication

    To E-File your tax return you must first electronically sign your tax return using the information requested on the screen.

    Before you can sign your return, we must verify your identity. To do so, we will ask you to provide information from your previous federal tax return.

    If you filed a federal tax return last year, you can either provide your prior year adjusted gross income or your self-selected 5-digit pin.

    You can find your adjusted gross income on line 11 of your 2021 1040NR. Please ensure the information you provide here is correct.

    If you did not file a tax return for tax year 2021, please enter ‘0’ as your prior year adjusted gross income.

    If you filed an amended tax return for tax year 2021, please enter the adjusted gross income listed on the return you filed originally.

     

    Electronically signing your tax return

    You will be required to select any 5-digit number (other than 00000) to electronically sign your tax return. Ensure you keep a record of this pin in a safe place.

    You will need to acknowledge that this pin is your signature and that and that you are now authorizing transmission of your return.

     

    Final steps

    Next, you must read the disclaimer and consent statements and confirm your agreement and that you have reviewed the information that you have entered and examined your tax return.

    You will also need to confirm that the social security numbers of each person on the return are correct.

    You must then sign the above consent disclosure by entering your date of birth.

    Finally, simply click ‘E-File My Return’ to electronically send your tax return to the IRS.

     

    Can I E-File my state taxes with Sprintax?

    No. You can only E-File your federal tax return with Sprintax.

    However, if you are required to file a state tax return, Sprintax will help you to prepare the documents you need.

    When you complete our questionnaire, our software will provide you with your completed state tax return.

    To file your tax return, simply download, print and sign your documents and mail them to the tax office.

     

    Can I E-File for tax years prior to 2021?

    At present, E-Filing is only available for the 2021 tax year and later years.

    However, Sprintax can help you to prepare the tax documents you need for prior tax years.

    Can everyone E-File their federal taxes?

    No.

    You will not be able to file online if:

    1. Any names or SSN do not coincide with the information provided at the About You step of the Sprintax questionnaire
    2. Any of your payment documents do not have an EIN
    3. Any of your 1042-S forms do not have a unique code identifier
    4. You have capital gains income
    5. You have form 1099-NEC
    6. You have form 1099-INT
    7. You have form 1099-MISC with box 4 higher than box 0
    8. You have included your final payslip
    9. You have self-employment income

    If you are not eligible to E-File your taxes, don’t worry. You can still download your completed forms from Sprintax and mail them to the IRS

    Note: If your W2 forms do not have a control number you must enter any 5 digit number instead.

     

    Do I have to E-File my tax return?

    No. If you would prefer not to file your taxes online, you can file by mail instead. Simply download your tax return, print it, sign it, and mail it to the IRS.

     

    When is the tax filing deadline?

    It is important to file your tax return before the 18 April 2023.

    If you owe the IRS money and you don’t file your tax return by the deadline, you may incur late filing fines and penalties from the IRS. You may also jeopardize your future US visa applications.

    What’s more, 70% of Sprintax users receive a tax refund. By not filing, you risk missing out on your tax refund.

    The average federal refund is $1,126. Do you really want to leave that kind of money in the US? Of course not!

     

    E-File your 1040NR US tax return with Sprintax

    File 1040NR Online

     

    Who must file tax documents in the US?

    Every nonresident in the US has a tax filing requirement.

    If you earned income in the US, you will be required to file a federal tax return. You may also have a state tax filing requirement.

    Nonresident aliens who are in the US on a J or F visa must file a Form 8843 “Statement of Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition” even if they received no income in the US.

    No matter what nonresident tax document you need to file, Sprintax can help you.

    Get started with your US nonresident tax return here.

     

    Why choose Sprintax?

    Sprintax will cater to all of your nonresident tax filing requirements.

    • We help more than 215,000 nonresidents (from over 200 nationalities) with their taxes every year
    • We are now live for Federal Tax Return E-Filing
    • Automatic generation of completed tax documents including federal, state and FICA tax returns, form 8843, tax return amendments and more
    • Your maximum US tax refund guaranteed – our average federal refund is $1,126
    • 24/7 Live Chat tax support

     

    How to get started

    To file your US federal tax return online with Sprintax, simply create your account or login here.

    Next, we will ask you a couple of easy questions about your time in the US and the income you earned.

    Our software will then automatically apply any treaty benefits or tax relief you are entitled to – minimizing your tax bill!

    You will then have the opportunity to either E-File or download your completed documents.

    It’s that easy!

     

    E-File your tax return with Sprintax

    Start here

     

  • Sprintax ya está disponible para la presentación electrónica de impuestos federales (E-Filing) para no residentes.

    Sprintax e-filing para impuestos federales

    Nunca ha sido tan fácil presentar su declaración de impuestos federales para no residentes.

    Estamos muy contentos de anunciar que Sprintax – la única solución en línea para las declaraciones de impuestos federales y estatales de los no residentes – está disponible para la declaración electrónica federal (E-Filing).

    Esto significa que, completando el sencillo cuestionario de Sprintax, puede presentar su declaración federal para el año fiscal 2022 directamente al Servicio de Impuestos Internos de los Estados Unidos (IRS por sus siglas en inglés) en línea.

    Continue reading “Sprintax ya está disponible para la presentación electrónica de impuestos federales (E-Filing) para no residentes.” »

  • New year, New Look – Re-Introducing Sprintax!

    Launching the Sprintax rebranded website

    Making the complex simple for nonresidents and their employers in the US

    Team Sprintax are delighted to unveil our new look. We’re excited to share our brand updates with you and a little background on why we made them. Continue reading “New year, New Look – Re-Introducing Sprintax!” »

  • Everything a nonresident needs to know about the Californian ‘Golden State’ Stimulus Checks

    Everything a nonresident needs to know about the Californian ‘Golden State’ Stimulus Checks

    California has joined fellow states and cities such as Florida, New Orleans, Maine, and Maryland (among others) in providing a financial boost to qualifying residents.

    Up to 800,000 Californian residents who meet the requirements will receive as much as $1,100 as part of the Golden State Stimulus Check scheme.

    A first round of payments were also delivered earlier in 2021 in order to provide relief to taxpayers who have been affected by the pandemic.

    While these checks are designated exclusively for California residents, many nonresidents in the state have received the payments in error.

    In this guide, we will take a closer look at the Golden State Stimulus Checks and outline the important steps a nonresident should take if they receive this pandemic payment.

    What are the Golden State checks?

    The checks were introduced as part of an initiative to help low and middle-income people in California, particularly those most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    The ‘Golden Gate Stimulus II’ follows on from the ‘Golden Gate Stimulus I’, which began to roll out in January 2021.

    Over 800,000 people can expect to receive this payment by 17 December, most in the form of paper checks.

    These payments range from $600-$1,100, and so far 3.5 million checks and 3.8 million direct deposits have been sent to qualifying individuals.

    Who is entitled to receive this money?

    There are a number of factors that enable you to qualify for the second Golden Gate Stimulus.

    The second check has broader coverage than the first, some who did not qualify for the first can qualify for the second.

    To qualify for this payment, you must have:

    • Filed your 2020 taxes by October 15, 2021
    • Had a California Adjusted Gross Income (CA AGI) of $1 to $75,000 for the tax year of 2020. For this information refer to:
      • Line 17 on Form 540
      • Line 16 on Form 540 2EZ
    • Had wages of between $0 and $75,000 for the tax year of 2020
    • Been a California resident for more than half of the tax year of 2020
    • Been a California resident on the date payment is issued
    • Not been claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer

    *A dependent is a qualifying child or qualifying relative. Go to FTB Publication 1540 for more information about a qualifying child and qualifying relative.

    There are a number of scenarios that will affect how much you will receive in this payment. These include:

    Scenario 1

    You qualified for Golden State Stimulus 1 (GSS1)

    Claimed a credit for 1 or more dependents

    Stimulus amount Golden State Stimulus 2 (GSSII) = $500

    Scenario 2

    You did not qualify for GSS I

    Did not claim a credit for 1 or more dependents

    Stimulus amount GSSII = $600

    Scenario 3

    You did not qualify for GSS I

    Claimed a credit for 1 or more dependents

    Stimulus amount GSSII = $1,100

    Scenario 4

    You qualified for GSS I

    Did not claim a credit for 1 or more dependents

    Stimulus amount GSSII = You do not qualify for GSS II

    If you feel that you received it by accident, you should know what to do.

    man filing an amended return

    I’m a nonresident and I received the Golden State Stimulus Payment. What should I do?

    If you received the Golden State Stimulus payment, but you think you received it in error, it is important that you take your time to review the eligibility qualifications that we have outlined to ensure that it is in error.

    If you do, however, find that the payment shouldn’t have been made to you, there are a number of things you can do, depending on your situation:

    Direct deposits made to you:

    In this situation, you should contact the bank you are with and advise that you are rejecting the payment.

    Paper checks you have received but you have not cashed:

    1. Make sure the ‘stub’ is still attached to the check – this should be attached to your check, and it details the amount paid
    2. Write a letter of explanation which should include your name and identification number (this will be your SSN or ITIN) and outline that you believe you received the check in error
    3. Mail the check and your explanation letter to:
      ATTN: Golden State Stimulus Fund,
      Franchise Tax Board,
      PO Box 3070,
      Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-3070.

    Paper version checks that have not yet been cashed:

    1. Send a check or money order that is payable to the California Franchise Tax Board.
    2. Be sure to state “Erroneous GSS payment” on the check/money order
    3. Write a letter of explanation which should include your name and identification number (this will be your SSN or ITIN) and outline that you believe you received the check in error
    4. Mail your personal check/money order and your explanation letter to:
      ATTN: Golden State Stimulus Fund
      Franchise Tax Board
      PO Box 3070
      Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-3070

    The ultimate US tax guide for J-1 participants

    How to file an amended tax return

    It is a common occurrence that nonresidents accidentally file as residents when they are completing their tax return.

    It’s always a good idea to double-check whether you filed correctly on your previous return.

    After all, filing incorrectly can lead to complications why applying for a US Visa or Green Card in the future.

    The Substantial Presence Test, which determines your tax residency, is easy to do and you can do it for free using Sprintax Returns.

    If you discover that you did in fact make an error on your tax return, you will need to amend it as soon as possible and file form 1040X.

    It’s easy to amend your tax return online using Sprintax Returns.

    Who can help me with my US taxes?

    Sprintax Returns!

    US tax can be especially confusing for nonresidents who are used to dealing with taxes in their home country.

    That’s why our team is happy to help any time.

    We can assist you in preparing both Federal and State tax returns and help you claim your maximum legal US tax refund!

    You’ll be asked a few straight-forward questions and based on the information you provide, you will then be able to download your fully completed and compliant 1040NR (nonresident tax return).

    As well as this, our Live Chat team can assist in any of your tax-related queries 24/7!

  • How to prepare for the 2022 US tax season

    Tax tips to prepare international student for tax season

    The deadline for filing your 2022 US tax return is April 18, 2023, and it’s never too early to start preparing.

    There’s no doubt that, whether you have filed a tax return before, or this is your first year with a filing requirement, the tax season can be a real headache.

    In this blog, we’ll look at 5 things every nonresident alien in the US can do to ensure their tax season runs as smoothly as possible.

    Continue reading “How to prepare for the 2022 US tax season” »

  • How to prepare W-2 forms for your nonresident employees

    Preparing tax forms for your nonresident employees can be a time-consuming and complicated process.

    After all, when preparing tax documents there are different rules to follow for nonresidents than there are for residents.

    Coupled with this, each nonresident is taxed differently – depending on their personal circumstances and their country of residence. Continue reading “How to prepare W-2 forms for your nonresident employees” »