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.
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.
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.
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” »
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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:
Any names or SSN do not coincide with the information provided at the About You step of the Sprintax questionnaire
Any of your payment documents do not have an EIN
Any of your 1042-S forms do not have a unique code identifier
You have capital gains income
You have form 1099-NEC
You have form 1099-INT
You have form 1099-MISC with box 4 higher than box 0
You have included your final payslip
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!
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.
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!