All posts in Tax Guides

June 29, 2021

Here’s the ultimate guide to nonresident taxes in the US

Whether you are dreaming of a trip to the US, or you are about to embark on one, the prospect of jetting off to The Land of Opportunity is bound to be exciting.

While you get to grips with the culture in the US, one area that often confuses nonresidents is tax.

That’s why Sprintax is here!

We specialize in making tax as straightforward as possible to newcomers in the US.

So, without further ado, here’s our ultimate guide to nonresident tax in the US. Continue reading “Here’s the ultimate guide to nonresident taxes in the US” »

No Comments / Sprintax, Tax Guides / Stacy
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April 19, 2021

Which tax form should I use: Form 1040, 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ?

Important: As of 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?” »

No Comments / Tax Guides, Tax Tips / Stacy
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August 24, 2020

Filing taxes on H1B visa – the Ultimate guide

About H1B visa

The H1B visa enables skilled workers with specialized expertise to live in the US for three years (later it can be extended for another three years), and work for a sponsoring employer.

In order to apply, you need specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in areas such as medicine, science, mathematics, information technology, architecture, finance, and accounting.
Continue reading “Filing taxes on H1B visa – the Ultimate guide” »

No Comments / Tax Guides / Kristina Valcheva
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July 28, 2020

Tax guide for summer camp counselors on J-1 visa

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” »

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July 24, 2020

FICA tax explained for nonresident aliens

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is the means by which social security and medicare are funded in the US.

FICA also provides benefits to children who have lost their working parents, widows and widowers, and disabled workers who qualify for benefits.

For self-employed people, there is an equivalent law called SECA (Self-employed Contributions Act).

Contributions to FICA are deducted from employee income. Many workers in the US will notice FICA being deducted from their income each time they receive their paycheck. Continue reading “FICA tax explained for nonresident aliens” »

No Comments / Tax Guides / Kristina Valcheva
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July 3, 2020

The ultimate tax guide for international students on OPT

(Updated for 2021)

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an opportunity for international students under an F-1 visa to work in the US for 12 months. After this, STEM students (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) can extend this period up to 24 months.

Most students complete OPT after graduating from university. Others participate after they have been pursuing their degree for more than nine months and are entitled to work and gain practical knowledge in the field of their studies. Continue reading “The ultimate tax guide for international students on OPT” »

No Comments / Tax Guides / Kristina Valcheva
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March 9, 2020

The ultimate US tax guide for J-1 participants

(Updated for 2021)

Tens of thousands of people flock to the US on J-1 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 “The ultimate US tax guide for J-1 participants” »

No Comments / J1 Taxes, Tax Guides / Stacy
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March 5, 2020

US tax season survival guide for international students on F-1 visas

A handy tax guide for international students and scholars in the US on an F-1 visa

While tax filing might not be the most exciting aspect of international student life in the US, the importance of completing these forms correctly cannot be underestimated.

In fact, the way you handle your international student tax affairs will have a major impact on future Green Card and visa applications.

With this in mind, we’ve created this handy tax guide for international students and scholars in the US on an F-1 visa.

We’ve covered everything you need to know about tax returns, refunds, and how to stay in the taxman’s good books! So, let’s get started!
Continue reading “US tax season survival guide for international students on F-1 visas” »

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January 20, 2020

H1B VISA – All your questions answered!

If you are an international student in the US on an F1 visa, you may wish to stay in the US to find work after you complete your course. You can do this by changing your F1 visa to a H1B visa (and later obtaining a Green Card).
Continue reading “H1B VISA – All your questions answered!” »

No Comments / Tax Guides / Kristina Valcheva
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January 8, 2020

Form 8843 – what is it and how do I file it?
There are 3 things that every US international student and J-1 visa holder needs to know about American tax:
1. 1. Every US international student and J-1 visa holder has a tax filing requirement
  2. It doesn’t matter if you have earned income. You must still file your documents before the deadline
  3. The IRS takes this stuff seriously! In other words, if you don’t comply with your tax obligations, you may encounter complications when applying for US visas in the future
Regardless of whether you have earned income during your time in the US, if you are a nonresident in the US, you will still need to file what’s known as a Form 8843 “Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals With a Medical Condition”.

This blog post will focus on exactly what you need to do in order to file this form and remain compliant with the IRS.

NOTE: If you are considered a resident for tax purposes, you are not required to file form 8843.
Continue reading “Form 8843 – what is it and how do I file it?” »
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March 27, 2017

Nonresident taxes explained for International students (Sprintax Tax Workshop)
Preparing your nonresident tax return can seem like a daunting task!

Sprintax has helped many international students and scholars through the process and is always striving to make their experience as stress-free as possible.

Check out our Tax Workshop playlist below – we explain the most important things you need to know about US taxes and using Sprintax. We’ve added a video recap below each video if you prefer to read.

Here is a list of topics we cover:
The tax deadline was extended to 17 May 2021, so don’t delay and create a Sprintax account now!

Continue reading “Nonresident taxes explained for International students (Sprintax Tax Workshop)” »
No Comments / Tax Guides / Stacy
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