All posts in Sprintax Forms

  • E-Signature on Tax Forms – Can I Sign My Tax Forms Online?

    e-signature on tax forms

    The topic of e-signatures on tax forms is a relatively new subject.

    That is because the IRS has traditionally required paper signatures on all of their tax forms.

    However, for some tax forms, the rules have changed somewhat over recent years.

    This is due to a number of reasons, mainly due to the fact that the IRS is constantly looking to modernize the way in which they operate.

    In this blog, we’ll delve into what the current rules on whether or not you as a nonresident alien on an F, J, M or Q visa can sign your tax forms online, and if it is beneficial for you.

     

    What is an electronic signature?

    An e-signature, also known as an electronic signature, is an efficient way to sign documents electronically with a digital ID.

    Where does this apply to tax forms? Well, many tax forms can be completed electronically, but rules have stated that they need a paper signature.

    However, the IRS has recognized that completing, printing, and sending tax forms is a significant burden as opposed to e-filing them, so they are beginning to change their rules.

    The current law that allows e-signatures on tax documents is in place until 31 October 2023.

    From the end of October 2023 onwards, it is likely that it will be extended.

     

    What are the benefits of an electronic signature?

    The main benefit of using an e-signature is that it saves time on tax return preparation for workers.

    As well as this, when you apply an electronic signature to your document, it will lock it from further editing. This provides a safeguard against potential document manipulation after the taxpayer has completed the form.

    They can also save you money, as every time you use an e-signature, it prevents you from having to print the document and ultimately spend more money on paper (and ink!).

     

    How to add an electronic signature to a form

    To add an e-signature to a tax form, you will need to try a software that offers this service. For example, DocuSign e-signature is officially recognized by the IRS.

    The IRS states that it can accept two types of electronic signatures on tax documents:

    • Digital signatures: If you have software that allows you to sign documents digitally, you may do this – it is more secure than an image signature.
    • Imaged signatures: This is done by hand signing a form, scanning it, and saving it as an image.

     

    What is a digital signature?

    There are subtle differences between electronic signatures and digital signatures, despite how similar they sound.

    Although both are used to add authenticity to documents, they perform different operations.

    Digital signatures use technology to encrypt a signature – ensuring the person is not lying about their identity.

    The difference is that e-signatures outline that a signatory is to be legally bound by the terms within a specific document.

     

    Does the IRS accept electronic signatures?

    Recently, the IRS has begun to lax its rules on tax document signatures.

    For nonresidents, that applies to many of the common tax forms used in tax season.

     

    Can I add e-signatures with Sprintax?

    Sprintax can add e-signatures on W-4, W-9, W8-BEN, and Form 8233, but not W-7. You can do this with Sprintax Forms.

    To e-file your tax documents with Sprintax, you will need to electronically sign your forms using the information requested on the screen when you are finalizing your return.

    Before signing your return, you must verify your identity with us. This will require you to provide information from your previous federal tax return (If you did not file a tax return for tax year 2020, please enter ‘0’ as your prior year adjusted gross income).

    Next, you’ll be asked to agree to a disclaimer and consent statements before agreeing the information you entered is correct.

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

    Check out the handy video below that outlines how to electronically file your return with Sprintax Returns!

     

     

    How Sprintax will help you

    As a nonresident, Sprintax will offer assistance with all you need come tax season.

    At Sprintax, we:

    • Help more than 215,000 nonresidents (including more than 200 nationalities) with their taxes every year
    • Automatically generate completed tax documents including federal, state and FICA tax returns, form 8843, tax return amendments and more
    • Get you your maximum US tax refund. guaranteed – our average federal refund is $1,126
    • 24/7 Live Chat tax support

     

    E-file nonresident tax return with Sprintax

     

     

  • Tax and Immigration for J-1/J-2 visa holders – 5 top takeaways from the Nonresident Tax Clinic

    Sprintax J visa nonresident tax webinar

    At the recent Nonresident Tax Clinic for J-1 visa holders, our panel of industry thought leaders explored the world of tax compliance and outlined the latest developments in rules and regulations for the taxation of J participants in the US.

    This fascinating event was perfect for J program participants, J program sponsors, agents, responsible officers, employers of J visa holders or even if you simply have an interest in the J program.

    If you missed the Nonresident Tax Clinic and would like to check it out, you can watch it back here. Continue reading “Tax and Immigration for J-1/J-2 visa holders – 5 top takeaways from the Nonresident Tax Clinic” »

  • Explainer: What each Sprintax Product will do for you

    What do Sprintax products do

    It has been nearly one year since Sprintax underwent brand updates to ensure we were delivering the very best possible product for our customers.

    Our goal is to assist employers and nonresidents alike in the US with preparing their taxes, ensuring they are 100% tax compliant.

    Each brand offers a simple and easy-to-use product that couples peace of mind with tax compliance – often a rarity in the US!

    So, what is each Sprintax product, and what will it do for you?

    Find out below!

    Continue reading “Explainer: What each Sprintax Product will do for you” »

  • The ultimate tax guide for international students on OPT

    tax guide for students on OPT

    (Last updated: 10 Feb 2023)

    Are you an OPT/CPT program participant?

    While doing your taxes might not be the most exciting aspect of international student life in the US, the importance of filing your federal tax return correctly cannot be underestimated.

    With this in mind, we’ve created this handy tax guide for international students on OPT. Continue reading “The ultimate tax guide for international students on OPT” »

  • Form W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E – what are they and what is the difference between them?

    W9BEN form

    (Updated for 2023)

    The W-8 forms are notoriously tricky for nonresidents to complete.

    However, it’s important to have a good understanding of these documents – especially if you intend to earn income while in the US.

    So, with that in mind, we have gathered everything you need to know about form  W-8BEN into this handy guide.

    So what is the purpose of a W-8BEN? Let’s take a look…

    Continue reading “Form W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E – what are they and what is the difference between them?” »

  • How to prepare the tax forms you need when you start a new job in the US

    tax forms when staring a new job in US

    Are you а nonresident starting a new job or CPT/OPT in the US?

    If that’s the case, congratulations!

    When you change jobs or start new employment in the US, there are important tax forms that you need to be aware of.

    These forms ensure you don’t pay too much tax, and claim any tax treaty benefits you’re due.

    In the US, you must fill out the forms correctly because otherwise, you may owe tax to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when you file your tax return, and then end up owing additional penalties or fines on top of this. Continue reading “How to prepare the tax forms you need when you start a new job in the US” »

  • 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.

    Sprintax first launched in 2014 as a nonresident tax advisory for US universities. Today we work with over 500 organizations across the US delivering tax education and tax filing services to international students and scholars – and their employers. Given our expanded product, team and ambition, we felt the time was right to update our branding too.

    At the heart of our rebranding is the goal to seamlessly transition all of our nonresident services under one roof, bringing together our products and technologies under one name, Sprintax.

    Sprintax for individuals

    Here at Sprintax, we understand the unique challenge of moving to a new country as an international student, intern, au pair or graduate. In fact, most of our team have worked or studied abroad at one stage or another! Navigating a new country, school or workplace can be difficult, not least when it comes to taxes. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to make the complex simple, so you can focus on the important things like finding a great apartment or the nearest coffee place.

    Our software is designed to support US nonresidents on every step of their journey, from preparing their pre-employment payroll forms (Sprintax Forms), to filing their first US tax return (Sprintax Returns).

    Sprintax has rebranded. Introducing Sprintax Returns and Sprintax Forms

    Sprintax for business

    At Sprintax, we don’t just support students and interns. We are passionate about our schools and during the tax season you’ll mostly likely find us on the road, delivering on-campus tax clinics or sitting in on a NAFSA panel session. You can learn more about our partner program here.

    If you are an employer or institution with international employees, we can help ensure you tax them correctly and that your organization remains tax complaint with the IRS.

    If your payroll department are dealing with international employees, then they’ll be all too familiar with the world of international tax treaties. Ever changing, it can prove a time-consuming and daunting task to determine the eligibility status of each international employee.

    Enter Sprintax Calculus, our multi-jurisdiction, tax compliance software, built to simplify payroll processing for nonresident employees and international vendors. The software will automatically determine the tax withholdings for your nonresident population, generate aggregated reports and integrate with your payroll platform for a smooth transition of data. Nifty huh?!

    TLDR; so what’s new with Sprintax?

    For our current users, you’ll notice some big changes on the website! It’s now much easier to navigate between our services. We’re also working on our new and improved help site and resource centre which will go live over the coming weeks.

    As part of our rebrand, we have introduced a new naming convention for each of our services. Here’s a quick recap!

    Personal services

    Sprintax Returns (Formerly, Sprintax Tax Prep)

    Sprintax Returns is the new name for our nonresident federal tax e-filing and state tax return preparation solution. Start here to determine tax residency status and to prepare and file US nonresident federal and state tax returns.

    Sprintax Forms (Formerly, SprintaxTDS Personal)

    As a nonresident student, scholar or employee in the US, you may be eligible for specific tax treaties. When you start working and earning an income in the US, Sprintax Forms will help ensure that you pay the right amount of tax on your salary – assisting with pre-employment paperwork including form W-4, W-8BEN and more.

    Business services

    Sprintax Returns Partners (Formerly Sprintax Tax Prep Partners)

    We partner with schools and institutions across the US to deliver nonresident tax education and tax return filing services to their international population. To find out more about partnering with us on Sprintax Returns, schedule a call.

    Sprintax Calculus (Formerly, SprintaxTDS)

    The documenting and reporting on payments made to nonresident employees has become a significant challenge for many US-based organisations. Sprintax Calculus (Formerly SprintaxTDS) helps payroll offices to manage the tax profiles of their nonresident employees on a single, user-friendly dashboard. Find out more here.

    Note: If you are a Sprintax Calculus partner, your student users will be asked to login and create their profile under the individual dashboard, Sprintax Forms.

    Sprintax has rebranded. Introducing Sprintax Calculus

    A word from our Vice President

    “Sprintax is going from strength-to-strength. The product we launched in 2014 is very different to who we are today, so it was time for a refresh. However, while the look and feel are more modern, it’s still the same goal that drive us – the ambition to make the complex simple. We hope you and your clients like what we’ve done – as always we’re keen on your feedback!”

    Enda Kelleher
    Sprintax Vice President

    More to come…

    Our new website is the first of many exciting developments at Sprintax. Over the next few months, you’ll notice more improvements to our software which we hope will further enhance your user experience, making Sprintax an intuitive and helpful tool to use, no matter what your use case!

    We want to hear from you!

    It would not have been possible for Sprintax to have grown over the last few years without the incredible support of our clients and partners. We are incredibly grateful for this support and, with that in mind, we would love to know what you think of our new site and any recommendations you may have for our next phase of development.

    Be sure to email your feedback to hello@sprintax.com or tag us on social!