The prospect of tax filing and tax returns can be confusing and daunting for international students in the US.
So, if this is how you feel, you are not alone!
Even if you have filed your federal tax return – you may not be finished with your tax requirements.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to prepare your state tax return the easiest way – with Sprintax!
Continue reading “How to prepare your state tax only with Sprintax” »
The H2B program allows employers in the US, who meet regulatory requirements, to bring nonresidents to the US to fill temporary (non-agricultural) jobs – for example, hotel staff, janitors, amusement park workers, landscapers, etc.
The US government has announced that the H2B visa cap has been extended by 22,000 visas to a total of 88,000 per year. Continue reading “H2B workers and taxes – all you need to know” »
(Last updated: 21 Sep 2023)
Important: Since 2020, the IRS no longer uses form 1040-NR-EZ. Form 1040NR has been simplified and will be used instead.
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.
Form 1040 (NR & NR-EZ) 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, 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ?” »
Updated: 19 April 2021
Note: In March 2021, the US government began distributing a third round of stimulus checks – worth $1,400. If you received this check, and you are not entitled to it, you will find the advice in this article useful!
You can also read more about the second pandemic stimulus payment (worth $600) here.
This article was originally published on 17 April 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government introduced the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act in April 2020.
Continue reading “Nonresident aliens: Your guide to navigating the COVID-19 CARES Act Stimulus Payments” »
When sitting down to file taxes, one of the first items every taxpayer requires is your TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number).
This will either be your Social Security Number (SSN) or your ITIN if you are not eligible for a SSN.
If you have a social security number you won’t need an ITIN.
If you just need to file Form 8843 (had no taxable US income) then you likely will not need an ITIN either.
However, some nonresidents that have earned taxable US income but are not eligible for a SSN will likely need to apply for what is known as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Continue reading “How to apply for your ITIN from outside the US” »
Covid-19 called a halt to countless peoples plans in 2020!
Many nonresidents had to leave their adventures in foreign lands and travel home.
If you were one of the people who had to leave the US due to the pandemic…we feel your pain!
However, you should know that you still have tax filing obligations in the US!
Lucky for you, you could be due a big tax refund! Continue reading “Did you leave the US due to Covid-19? You could be due a tax refund!” »
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the US tax deadline has been extended from 15 April until 17 May 2021.
The decision has been made in order to give taxpayers who may be under financial pressure more time to file their taxes, the tax agency have said.
It comes after last year’s deadline was also pushed forward from 15 April 2020 to 15 July 2020 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Continue reading “US Tax Deadline Extended to 17 May 2021” »
Have you just received a W-2 form from your employer for the 2022 tax season?
If so, you may be asking yourself what it is and what you need to do with it.
Every year, nonresidents and international students who have earned an income in the US will receive a W-2 form from their employer – outlining wage and salary information. In addition, you may also receive a form 1099 detailing different types of income received during the year e.g., self-employed income, interest on bank accounts, stocks bonds or dividends.
In this guide, we will outline how to use these forms when filing your tax return.
Continue reading “Everything nonresidents need to know about the W-2 and 1099 forms” »
Over recent weeks, stock trading apps, such as Robinhood and Etrade, have featured prominently in news headlines – dominating the public psyche more than ever before.
Gone are the days when investing in stocks and shares was limited to Wall Street traders.
In January 2021, when a large group of Reddit users banded together to invest in the video game retailer GameStop, we saw a clear demonstration of just how easy it has become to invest your money and make a profit.
In fact, nowadays, anyone can invest from their phone while on the go.
But if you’re making a profit from stock trading apps, there is one important factor to keep in mind: if you are investing in a share or other property which is located in the US, it’s likely that you will have to pay tax to the IRS on your profits. Continue reading “Making a profit from Robinhood? Here’s everything a nonresident needs to know about their trading tax requirements” »
Are you a nonresident living in the US? We know it can be confusing to understand the tax system in your home country, let alone in a different one, so we are here to help explain what income is taxable for nonresidents in the US.
As a foreign national you can be subject to one of two different systems of taxation in the US, depending on whether you are classified as a nonresident or resident alien in the US.
If you are a nonresident alien, you are subject to US income tax only on your US source income and just like residents, you must report your income on US income tax returns.
In this guide, we are going to take a closer look at the various different types of income which are taxable in the US and outline our tips on managing your tax requirements.
Continue reading “What income is taxable for nonresident aliens in the US?” »
Did you receive $600 from the IRS? Here’s what you should know
In late December, the US government passed an act which authorized the IRS to begin delivering a new round of pandemic Economic Impact Payments to taxpayers – via direct debit and paper checks.
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act provides a one-time payment of up to $600 per eligible person.
Continue reading “Everything a nonresident in the US needs to know about the second COVID stimulus payment” »
Last updated: Aug 4, 2021
In the US, there are different tax rules and laws in each individual state, as well as at a federal level.
Depending on where you live, you may be required to file a state tax return. In this article we will outline what you need to know about each state’s tax filing requirement.
So, let’s start with the easy part.
Continue reading “A complete state-by-state guide to US taxes for international students” »
When tax season ends it can feel like a big weight has been lifted off your shoulders – an opportunity to exhale and relax (until it all starts again next year that is!) But before you expel all tax topics completely from your mind, there is one final task you must complete.
Continue reading “Keep your tax records when Tax season is over. Here’s why” »
North Carolina is one of the 43 states in America that taxes its residents’ individual income.
You must file a state tax return if you are a nonresident alien and your income from North Carolina sources is greater than $0.
If you have already filed your North Carolina state tax return ahead of the 17 May 2021 tax filing deadline, you may want to follow the progress of your return and the processing of your tax refund.
In this guide, we’re going to show you exactly how you can track your return and let you know what to do if you have not yet filed your taxes.
Continue reading “How to track the processing of your North Carolina state tax return?” »
Last updated: 16 January 2023
In order to prepare your US tax documents, you will need to know the exact dates on which you traveled in or out of the US.
However, if you don’t know your travel history and you need to double-check the exact entry and exit dates, the good news is that you can easily do this online.
The US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) keeps a record of all nonresidents who travel to the country over the past 5 years.
These documents also include the reason for their travel and the dates of their previous visits to the US.
In this post, we will discuss how to track all your travel history paperwork. Continue reading “U.S. entry and exit dates – how to check your travel history” »