References and Links

[Updated 2/6/2024]

Ways of completing Your Tax Forms

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).

Using a tax preparation service

Sprintax

Because this website has been created to assist international students and scholars at Portland State University, the help given here is related to Sprintax, the tax service that PSU has made arrangements to use at reduced cost. Limited time prevents us from learning additional web-based tax filing services. You will need to consult the other tax services' support department for any questions.

The following have sites where you enter your data and you download a PDF of the completed form. They may do e-file as well.

Sprintax - specifically for nonresident 1040-NR returns, can do e-filing for some returns. If PSU student, see PSU's page about using Sprintax for tax forms.

Below are some other options that might work for you. I don't have sufficient knowledge to recommend any. If you use one of these tax services, please let me know about your experience and I will update the information below.

Free File Options

Federal (IRS) tax returns

Check the IRS Free-File page for preparing your taxes for federal tax return for free. Some also offer free state filing and e-filing; some charge a fee for preparation of the state return.

You will input five items:

Adjusted Gross Income (how much income for the year)
Age
Earned Income TAx Credit Eligible: answer "NO"
Active (U.S.) Military?
Country of Residence: Enter your home country

Oregon Department of Revenue offers pages where you can search for online tax preparation services, some of which are free for those who qualify. If the service does not provide e-filing, you will have to print off the forms they prepare for you and submit them via USPS.

Oregon personal income tax returns: see authorized tax preparations options at Oregon.gov.

Tax services that can assist with 1040-NR returns.

Please confirm the information below at the company's website. It is hard to keep up with all the companies.

Tax services that can assist with 1040-NR returns but don't have free file.

H&R Block - prepares both nonresident 1040-NR returns and a dual-status (1040-NR and 1040) returns for those who are a nonresident and resident in the same tax year. Also resident 1040 returns. They offer e-filing. H&R Block does not have free file for 1040-NR. See list of supported forms. In previous years, some students reported difficulties with H&R Block preparing the correct form (preparing 1040 instead of 1040-NR).

Tax services that can assist with 1040-NR and DO have free file.

Use the Free File link above to see if your income qualifies for free file with the services listed below.

TaxAct - both nonresident 1040-NR returns and resident 1040 returns. They offer e-filing.
OLT - Online Taxes - both nonresident 1040-NR returns and resident 1040 returns. They offer e-filing.

Tax services with free file but do not support 1040-NR

FreeTaxUSA: Forms supported and non supported

1040now: https://www.1040now.net/mobile/Federal%20Tax%20Forms.htm

EZTaxReturn: https://www.8.eztaxreturn.com/what-we-support/tax-forms-and-schedules.html?part_dir=efile3

fileyourtaxes.com https://www.fileyourtaxes.com/system-limitations-free

Tax services with free file but UNKNOWN if they support 1040-NR

https://free1040taxreturn.com

For professional tax preparers

TaxSlayerPro - UPDATE: this product is only for professional tax preparers. It is not for preparing personal returns.

Nonresident aliens should NOT use the following:

The following DO NOT help with nonresident alien tax forms (1040NR or 1040NR-EZ) as of Feb 6, 2024

TurboTax

There may be many others that do not prepare nonresident alien forms.

Companies and accounting firms

The following are accounting firms. I am not sure of the procedure they use for getting your data and completing your forms.

Universal Financials - Tax Planning, Preparation and Filing Services, specializing in Indian clients (used by a number of 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