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!
Do international students have to pay state taxes?
Much like with federal tax filing, each state has different tax laws.
It also depends on your own circumstances.
Essentially, factors such as if you have to file and when you have to file will depend on what state you were in during your time in the US.
The following states do not require you to file state tax returns:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- New Hampshire (taxes only investment income, not earned income)
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (taxes only investment income, not earned income)
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
However, if you work or invest in a state that does have tax on income, it’s probable that you will have to file a state tax return!
When are the state tax deadlines?
Again, this will depend on the state in which you reside.
Most state tax returns for the 2020 tax year are due on 17 May 2021.
However, there are some exceptions to this list:
- Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma – 15 June 2021;
- Maryland – 15 July 2021;
- Iowa – 1 June 2021
What documents will I need to file my tax return?
To file your US tax return, you may be required to produce any of the following:
- Passport
- US entry and exit dates for current and all previous visits to the US
- All tax forms you’ve received (including Forms W-2, 1042-S and/or 1099, etc.)
- Visa / Immigration Status information, including Form DS-2019 (for J visa holders) or Form I-20 (for F visa holders)
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- If you are using Sprintax for State Tax Return(s) preparation only, you will need a copy of the Federal Tax return you have already prepared
If you do not have any of these, for example your SSN or your ITIN, Sprintax can help you get them!
Can international students file state tax only with Sprintax?
You can easily prepare the state tax documents you need online with Sprintax.
By preparing your state tax return with us, we will guide you step-by-step through the often tricky filing process.
When you create an account with Sprintax, our system will assist you in preparing fully compliant Federal and State tax returns.
We will make sure you are claiming any tax deductions and benefits that will ensure you receive your maximum legal tax refund!
In general, it costs $34.95 to prepare your state tax return with Sprintax.
For more information about our fees, check out our FAQ page.
Create your Sprintax state only account here
If you’d like to prepare your Federal tax return together with your State taxes, create your account here to get started.
Can international students e-file state taxes?
In short, no.
It is currently not possible to e-file your state tax return with Sprintax as an international student.
However, you can still use Sprintax to prepare your tax return – but you will need to mail your documents to the IRS yourself.
Why Sprintax?
- Every year, we help more than 215,000 nonresidents (from over 200 nationalities) with their taxes – we know what we’re doing!
- 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 and our average state tax refund is $464
- 24/7 Live Chat tax support
