All posts in Sprintax Returns

  • Why do I owe federal tax on my 1040NR tax return?

    Why do I owe tax this year on my 1040NR

    If you are a nonresident alien (NRA) who lived or worked in the US, you will have tax responsibilities, regardless of whether you earned income.

    In essence, every nonresident is required to file their taxes.

    When you sit down to file you may discover that you owe tax. But don’t worry, it is very common for nonresidents to owe money to the IRS.

    In this guide we discover some of the reasons you may owe tax and how to file your tax return

    Continue reading “Why do I owe federal tax on my 1040NR tax return?” »

  • What are my tax obligations as a nonresident self-employed worker in the US?

    self-employed and freelancers tax obligations

    (Last updated: 12 Mar 2024)

    It’s tricky being self-employed – after all, you need to keep a close eye on your income and all of your deductible expenses!

    It’s even more tricky being self-employed in a country where you are unfamiliar with the local tax rules.

    What’s more, when you are considered a nonresident for tax, special rules apply to you when compared with a resident.

    In this blog we will cover the key information that nonresident self-employed individuals in the US need to know about their tax filing obligations. Continue reading “What are my tax obligations as a nonresident self-employed worker in the US?” »

  • How to file a nonresident state tax return

    how to file a nonresident state tax return

    Tax season can be difficult for a lot of nonresidents who move to the US.

    With so many different aspects of taxes in the US, it can be easy to feel a little overwhelmed.

    Filing both state taxes and federal taxes are vitally important to ensure your nonresident state income tax withholding is correct.

    Nonresident state tax returns are one of the lesser-known areas of tax for many people, so in this blog post we’ll outline everything you need to know about them as well as how to file them.

    So, without further ado, let’s dive right in! Continue reading “How to file a nonresident state tax return” »

  • I have received a 1042-S – what do I do now?

    I received a 1042-s what do i do

    Are you living in the United States and recently received a Form 1042-S? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

    Many individuals find themselves in this situation each tax season, and understanding what to do next can remove any potential confusion or stress.

    In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know if you received a 1042-S form.

    Continue reading “I have received a 1042-S – what do I do now?” »

  • Using TurboTax to claim your J-1 tax refund may be illegal

    Claiming J-1 tax refund with Turbotax

    It’s hard to imagine anything worse than the IRS sniffing around after your J1 experience of a lifetime.

    But this is exactly what can happen if you file an inaccurate US tax return.

    If you worked in the US on a J1 visa, then chances are you are legally obliged to file your US tax return by the 15 April 2024 deadline.

    If you file your US taxes correctly, you won’t run into any trouble later on. This is important if you ever wish to return to the US on another visa or for a holiday.

    Do I file as a resident or nonresident in the US?

    If you go to US on a J1 visa, you’ll be considered a nonresident for tax purposes and must file as a nonresident, unless you pass the Substantial Presence Test, in which case you will be deemed a resident.
    Continue reading “Using TurboTax to claim your J-1 tax refund may be illegal” »

  • Which tax form should I use: Form 1040 or 1040NR?

    Form 1040NR vs 1040 vs 1040NR-ez

    (Updated for 2024)

     

    Coming to the US from a foreign country presents both thrills and challenges to every nonresident. One of the more common difficulties nonresidents face is filing their tax return.

    In this blog post, we’ll be discussing Forms 1040, 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ, and how they apply to each person’s situation (Important: Since 2020, form 1040-NR-EZ is no longer used.)

    Form 1040 (NR) figures out the total taxable income of the taxpayer and determines how much of a refund the person may be due.

    So, without further ado, let’s examine how to find out which form applies to you! Continue reading “Which tax form should I use: Form 1040 or 1040NR?” »

  • How to Get a Full Tax Refund as an International Student in US

    full tax refund international students

    (Updated for 2024)

    Many international students on F-1, J-1, M-1 and Q engage in practical training and earn income through one of the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) approved programs or participate in on-campus and off-campus employment during or post-study.
    Continue reading “How to Get a Full Tax Refund as an International Student in US” »

  • Great news – Sprintax is LIVE for 1095-A filing!

    As the tax season approaches, it’s essential to stay informed about the forms and documents that can significantly impact your tax return.

    One such crucial document is Form 1095-A, particularly important for those who have enrolled in a health insurance plan through the Marketplace.

    In this blog post, we’ll explore how to obtain a 1095-A tax form, understand its implications on your taxes, and outline how Sprintax can simplify the entire process!

     

    Continue reading “Great news – Sprintax is LIVE for 1095-A filing!” »

  • The ultimate tax guide for international students on OPT

    tax guide for students on OPT

    (Last updated: 23 Feb 2024)

    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” »

  • J-1 visa taxes explained – the ultimate US tax return guide for J-1 visa holders

    J1 visa tax return guide 2022

    Tens of thousands of people flock to the US on J-1 student visas each year.

    Every J-1 participant has a tax filing requirement, it’s the law!

    Many J-1 visa holders are confused by the often tricky US tax jargon. However, it’s not as bad as it seems, and knowing even a little about your filing requirements can go a long way!

    With this in mind, we’ve created a blog post that will answer some common queries from J-1 participants in the US! Continue reading “J-1 visa taxes explained – the ultimate US tax return guide for J-1 visa holders” »

  • 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 J-1 scholar tax guide

    J-1 research scholar tax guide

    Thousands of people travel to the US on J-1 visas every year.

    But did you know if you go to the US on a J-1 visa you have a tax-filing requirement? It’s the law!

    With that in mind, we have put together this post that outlines all J-1 Scholars need to know about tax when in the US. Continue reading “The Ultimate J-1 scholar tax guide” »

  • Tax guide for summer camp counselors on J-1 visa

    J1 tax return summer camp counselors in 2024

    The camp counselor program allows you to share your culture and ideas while working in a camp setting in the US.

    To take part in the camp counselor program, you need a J-1 cultural exchange visa. This visa allows non-immigrant aliens to temporarily live in the US to participate in the summer camp.

    Generally, J-1 camp counselors are considered nonresidents for tax purposes. You must fill out important tax documents when you arrive at the camp, and your camp director can help you with this. Continue reading “Tax guide for summer camp counselors on J-1 visa” »

  • How to e-file your nonresident federal tax return using Sprintax

    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 2023 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 2023 US tax return.

    If you wish to E-File your taxes, you must firstly confirm that you have not previously E-Filed your 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 2022 1040NR. Please ensure the information you provide here is correct.

    If you did not file a tax return for tax year 2022, please enter ‘0’ as your prior year adjusted gross income.

    If you filed an amended tax return for tax year 2022, 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 15 April 2024.

    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 $1,004. 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 $1,004
    • 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

     

  • Tax information for nonresident winter workers in the US

    Winter work and travel program Tax information

    Are you going to the US to work for the winter season?

    If so, it’s likely that you have many questions on the types of winter work jobs available, the Winter Work and Travel program, H-2B visas, tax residency status, claiming your tax back afterwards, and more!

    In this article, we will delve deeper into the above topics to answer frequently asked questions. Continue reading “Tax information for nonresident winter workers in the US” »