1) Gather the documents you may need for Sprintax.
Passport |
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Visa/Immigration information, including form I-20 (F status) or form DS-2019 (J status) |
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Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (if you have one) |
This is not needed if you had no income and the 8843 is the only form you have to file. |
* W-2 |
This form reports your wage earnings if you worked. If you had more than one employer you should get a W-2 from each employer. It is issued by the end of January for the previous year. Make sure all employers from last year have an up-to-date address for you. |
* 1042-S |
This form is used to report:
1. Stipend, scholarship, fellowship income and travel grants (not tuition reduction or exemption) 2. Income covered by a tax treaty 3. Payment for other types of services (e.g. by the quarter/semester as a note-taker)
If you received this type of income, the 1042-S will be mailed to you by March 15th by the payer.
Note: Only Non-resident Aliens receive this form. If your tax status changes to a Resident Alien you will not get a 1042-S. Login to Sprintax to check your tax status if you're not sure. |
U.S. entry and exit dates for current and past visits to the U.S. |
In addition to passport stamps, you can review or print your U.S.travel history here |
* 1099 |
This form reports miscellaneous income. Can be interest on bank accounts, stocks, bonds, dividends, earning through freelance employment |
1098-T |
This form is is NOT needed and can NOT be used for a nonresident tax return because NRAs are not eligible to claim education expense tax credits. |
2) Create a Sprintax Account.
You will receive an email from ISS in February providing you with a link to Sprintax to set up your account as well as your unique code to use on Sprintax. This unique code will cover the costs of the federal tax return and 8843 at no cost to you. Open your new Sprintax account by creating a UserID and password or if you have an existing account on Sprintax you can log in using your existing credentials.
3) Follow the Sprintax Instructions.
If you had No U.S. Income: Sprintax will generate a completed Form 8843 for you and each of your dependents (if you have any).
With U.S. Income: Sprintax will generate your "tax return documents", including either a 1040NR-EZ or a longer form 1040NR, depending on your circumstances.
4) (With US Income only) If required, complete your state tax return.
After you finish your federal return, Sprintax will inform you if you need to complete a state tax return. If so, they will give you the option to use Sprintax for an individual fee. However, it is your choice to use them or to do the state tax return on your own.
5) Mail your completed federal and/or state forms to IRS and/or state tax authorities.
Remember to read the mailing instructions that Sprintax provides. If you have dependents, each one must mail their 8843 in a separate envelope.