[Updated 2/10/2025]
There are a number of ways to get your tax forms completed:
Manually - download the blank forms, read the instructions, enter the data, do the calculations, mail them. (This can be very confusing.)
Tax services - you give the tax service the documents needed (either paper copies or electronically) and they complete the forms for you. They will make available to you the completed forms and you submit them. This could be done "in person" or long-distance via mail or internet. (This may be more than you want to pay.)
Tax preparation software or website - via software or website, you enter your data (usually collected by the software or website's "interview" screens: asking you questions, you enter your data and the tax forms are prepared based upon what you have entered. (This seems to me just right for most people.)
The important thing is that you know your status (nonresident alien or resident alien) and that the tax service prepares the correct forms for your status. If your status is nonresident alien, you must file 1040-NR to report your taxable income to the federal government (IRS).
Sprintax prepares the 1040-NR and Oregon 40-N personal income tax returns.
PSU provides a code to PSU international students that pays for the cost of the 1040-NR. Sprintax charges $49.95 for the Oregon 40-N.
See Other Online Tax Preparation options.
We are not making any endorsement or recommendation of those listed below. Use at your own risk.
MFS CASH Oregon - A Program of Metropolitan Family Service - Portland Oregon
"We provide free, high-quality tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to families and individuals earning under $69,000 a year." Contact them to make sure they have someone available who can complete the 1040-NR.
The following are accounting firms.
Universal Financials - Tax Planning, Preparation and Filing Services, specializing in Indian clients. (This firm has been used by some PSU Indian graduates)
Gary R. Engler & Company - Certified Public Accountants & Advisors - they have knowledge of nonresident forms
GW Carter - Certified Public Accountants - they have knowledge of nonresident forms
Local Preparers
Sheilsie "Eva" Chan, EA, LTC
Master Tax Advisor at Block Advisors
eva.chan@blockadvisors.com
Bethany Location (Beaverton)
One student was able to be helped by Eva in a previous tax year. The student had a complicated issue.
Tom Bode
@ Alten Sakai & Company LLP
10260 SW Greenburg Road, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97223-5513
Phone: 503-297-1072
Email: info@altensakai.com
One student had a complicated situation and was helped by Tom
Internal Revenue Service - Federal Taxes
Information for Foreign Students and Scholars
References for Foreign Students and Scholars
Topic 851 - Resident and Nonresident Aliens
Oregon Department of Revenue - State Taxes
Portland State University
PSU International Office
Portland State Finance & Administration: Human Resources
Sprintax Blog
http://blog.sprintax.com - Many useful articles
Other States