International Students: Using Sprintax For Tax Filing

As an international student, you may be wondering how to navigate the complex world of taxes. This is where Sprintax comes in. Sprintax is a software specifically designed for international students and other non-residents in the US to simplify the process of filing tax returns. It helps ensure that international students meet their tax obligations and stay compliant with IRS tax rules. With Sprintax, you can easily prepare your federal, state, and FICA tax returns, as well as Form 8843 and ITIN applications. The software has built-in knowledge of non-resident tax laws and can help you determine your residency status and tax treaty eligibility. It also offers a range of support materials, including Q&A webinars, tax filing guides, and 24/7 live chat support to answer any questions you may have. So, if you're an international student wondering about your taxes, Sprintax might just be the solution you need.

Who can use Sprintax?

Sprintax is a tax preparation software for nonresidents in the US. It is specifically for nonresident international students, scholars, teachers, and researchers in the US on F, J, M, and Q visas. It helps them prepare their nonresident federal, state, and FICA tax returns, Form 8843, and ITIN applications.

Sprintax can also be used by foreign professionals, nonresident au pairs, camp counselors, and other nonresident workers and visitors with F, B, H, J, L, M, E visa types, and Q immigration status.

Sprintax is ideal for international students on F-1 visas who earn income in the US and are required to pay federal income tax. It helps them file their W-7 form and secure their ITIN. It also helps them determine the forms they are required to file.

Sprintax is approved by the IRS for federal e-filing. It helps nonresidents prepare their 1040-NR tax return. It also helps them access their 1042-S forms and file their annual tax returns.

What forms do international students need to file?

International students in the USA are required to file a tax return, and there are several forms that they may need to complete. The specific forms that an international student needs to file depend on their individual circumstances, including their visa status, income sources, and the length of their stay in the US.

Form 8843

The Form 8843 is a requirement for certain non-resident aliens who are in the US on F-1, J-1, F-2, or J-2 visas. This form must be filed with the IRS, even if the student did not earn any income during their stay in the US. The purpose of this form is to inform the IRS of the duration of an individual's stay in the country. The deadline for filing Form 8843 is June 15, 2025, for those who had no US income, and April 15, 2025, for all F-1 students.

Form 1040-NR (federal tax return)

Most F-1 students are considered non-resident aliens by the IRS. As a non-resident alien, if you have earned income in the US, you will need to file Form 1040-NR to assess your federal income and taxes. This form is used to report US-sourced income and determine any taxes owed.

State Tax Return

In addition to federal taxes, international students may also be required to pay state and/or local taxes, depending on the state they live in and their income sources. Therefore, they may need to file a state tax return in addition to their federal tax return.

W-7 Form and ITIN

Some international students may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), depending on their personal circumstances. The W-7 form is used to apply for an ITIN, which is required for tax filing if the student is not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Form 1040X (Amended Tax Return)

If an international student needs to correct any errors or make changes to their original tax return, they may need to file a Form 1040X, which is an amended tax return. This form must be filed by paper and mailed to the IRS along with the original tax return and any supporting documents.

It is important for international students to understand their tax obligations and stay compliant with IRS rules. Resources like Sprintax, a tax software specifically designed for international students, can be a helpful tool to navigate the tax filing process and ensure compliance with IRS requirements.

How does Sprintax work?

Sprintax is an online tax preparation and compliance software designed for non-residents in the US, including international students, scholars, teachers, and researchers on F, J, M, and Q visas. The platform helps users file their federal and state tax returns, ensuring compliance with IRS tax rules.

Sprintax offers two main services: Sprintax Forms and Sprintax Returns. Sprintax Forms assists users in completing their W-7 form and securing their ITIN. This service is particularly useful for international students who need to obtain their ITIN while preparing their tax return documents.

Sprintax Returns, on the other hand, is a self-preparation software for US nonresident tax returns. It helps international students, scholars, and short-term working visa holders to file their IRS-compliant US nonresident tax returns. Each year, thousands of users leverage Sprintax Returns to file their federal tax returns electronically (E-Filing), without the need for printing and mailing physical copies to the US tax office.

To use Sprintax Returns, users complete an easy-to-follow questionnaire, proceed through the order breakdown and payment stage, and then submit their US tax return. The platform also provides users with access to their 1042-S Forms via their online accounts, enabling them to file their annual tax returns efficiently.

It's important to note that Sprintax does not support dual-status taxpayers or instalment agreements. However, the company offers excellent customer support, providing quick responses and troubleshooting for any queries that may arise.

What are the benefits of using Sprintax?

Sprintax is a software solution that helps international students, scholars, teachers, researchers, and J program participants in the US with their tax compliance. It is approved by the IRS for Federal E-Filing, which means users can file their federal tax returns electronically.

• User-friendly interface: The cloud-based software is user-friendly, with a simple interface that allows users to submit all their information and supporting documents for verification and tax treaty determination online.
• Time-saving: Sprintax simplifies a notoriously challenging process, making it easier and faster for international students to file their taxes. This results in more students submitting their returns on time.
• Accurate and compliant: The software ensures users are fully compliant with IRS tax rules and other tax regulations. It also helps users apply all eligible tax treaty benefits, credits, and reliefs, so they don't pay more tax than necessary.
• Dedicated support: Sprintax provides excellent customer support with knowledgeable staff who are quick to answer any queries and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
• Cost-effective: The platform is a cost-effective solution for maintaining tax records, especially for institutions with many international students or employees.
• Secure and accessible: Users can access their Sprintax accounts for as long as they like, and the platform ensures data security and privacy.

Sprintax is a valuable tool for international students and other non-resident aliens in the US to navigate the complex tax system and ensure they are meeting their tax obligations efficiently and accurately.

What are the alternatives to Sprintax?

Sprintax is a tax preparation software program that is designed for non-resident aliens in the US, including international students, scholars, trainees, researchers, and other educational immigration statuses. It helps them determine their residency status and prepare their federal income tax filings. However, if you are a resident alien for federal tax purposes, you will not be able to use Sprintax. Here are some alternatives to Sprintax:

• TurboTax: This software is designed for resident aliens and can be used by those who do not meet the criteria for Sprintax.
• CashApp: This is a free platform that can be used for tax filing, as suggested by a user on Reddit. However, it does not support 1040-NR, which may be a problem for international students.
• IRS: The IRS has a free tax return preparation program that may be able to help international students. There might also be a VITA location near you that can provide free assistance with tax filings.
• TDS Sprintax: This program can be used to file annual tax returns and access 1042S Forms.

Frequently asked questions