Sprintax Questions
This page can be accessed at http://bit.ly/isstaxsprintax
[Updated March 25, 2024]
For 2023 tax year (Jan-Dec 2023) for tax forms due April 15, 2024
IMPORTANT: if you wish to have assistance from FOCUS volunteers regarding the completion of your tax forms, please plan to file by Wednesday, April 10. Assistance will not be available from April 11 through April 21.
Table of Contents
Common Questions Asked About Using Sprintax
NEW February 28, 2024: One-hour video walk-through: Using Sprintax.
In addition to the notes below, please . . .
Refer to the Sprintax FAQ (click "view all").
Clicking on blue text in Sprintax will pop up additional information.
Use Sprintax's "Ask Stacy," their online chat.
Use Sprintax's phone support.
See our "Getting Help" page.
NOTE:
The following notes address questions that have arisen with students as they are entering data into Sprintax.
The notes are in approximately the same order as the questions in Sprintax.
Look for additional "Tips" place prior to some of the data entry pages.
Important: The Screen Shots on this Page are Samples
Your answers may be different.
Don't check a box or enter an answer unless it is true for your situation.
Some screenshots are from tax year 2021 and 2022.
The screen shots are updated only if there are significant changes.
Getting Started with Sprintax
Create a Sprintax Account. If you have not already, create an account with Sprintax. This is free to do. You don't have to pay any money to Sprintax until you are ready to download the PDFs containing the tax forms that Sprintax has prepared for you.
For PSU international students, use this link.
Others can go to "Sprintax.com."
Get the code that pays for the Sprintax preparation of your federal return.
DO NOT ENTER THE CODE until you have entered into Sprintax your tax documents and information. (Even after using the code, you can revise the information added. But once you submit your tax return, either by e-file or submitting paper copies, you should not make changes in Sprintax. Changing Sprintax after submitting could cause confusion about what details were actually submitted.)
Check your email inbox for emails sent in January and February from PSU's international office that contain a code you will enter just prior to downloading your prepared tax forms via PDF).
Use this page. Use the remaining content on this page to help answer questions you may have as you enter information into Sprintax. It's best to open this page on one monitor and Sprintax in a second monitor. This allows you to easily go through both at the same time.
NEW February 28, 2024: One-hour video walk-through: Using Sprintax
Other help. Do a quick review of "Getting Help" to be informed about other ways to get help.
Tips
e-Filing the Federal tax forms became an option March 31, 2021
You may have documents (such as the W-2) or data on (or not on) the documents that Sprintax is unable to process for the e-file option. See information below.
Data entered on a screen is not saved until you press the "Next" arrow: The data you enter on a page is not permanently saved until you hit the "next" button located at the bottom of the pages.
If you are working on a page and need to go back to a previous page (for any reason), hit the "next" button first, then go back to the previous page you need to review. Otherwise you will have to re-enter the information on the page you are working on.
When"Next" doesn't do anything: When you press "next," Sprintax error checks to see if all required information is entered. Usually the box(es) that need(s) to be filled is outlined in red. Sometimes it is not easy to see. And if the box is small, it may be hard to see.
The Opening Page of Sprintax
The opening page lists some of the documents and information you may have received and use to prepare your tax forms.
See "Tax Documents That You May Receive" for more information about these forms.
1098-T
You may have also received from your school form 1098-T. As noted at the bottom of this first screen, the 1098-T is not needed for completing a nonresident tax return (IRS 1040-NR). But you may find some of the information useful if you have scholarship or grants that might be taxable.
Welcome to Sprintax
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2021]
The current tax year will be at the top. Any prior years will be below.
If any data has previously been entered for a year, you will see an "edit" button.
Select the tax year you want to work on
Press the "Next Arrow" or "Edit."
IMPORTANT: Regarding Screen Shots and Help Text
Any data shown on the screen shots are for examples or are the "default" selections the software makes.
The information you enter should be your information, not the entries you may see in the example screens.
Click "How do I know my info is correct?" drop downs and "blue hyperlinks" to display additional help notes.
Some screenshots may have additional "help notes" or markup where there is frequent confusion. There will not be help notes for each item or each page.
Step 1a - Residency Status
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2021]
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
TIP: The next two pages collect information to determine your status: nonresident or resident alien. Sprintax only produces IRS Form 1040-NR for federal tax filing. Nonresident aliens will submit the 1040-NR. TURBOTAX (and most others) cannot produce a 1040-NR.
TIP: there are two date columns: US Entry Date and US Leave Date
Your last US Leave Date will be the date you "expect" to leave permanently. If you don't know, use your visa expiry date.
If your status changes while you are IN the U.S., that information will be on two rows:
First row: Status #1, US Entry Date and Last Date of Status
Second row: Status #2, First Date of Status and US Leave Date
TIP: The last date you enter on this screen will also need to be entered on the next page in this field: "Approximate date you permanently left/intend to permanently leave the US." Make a note of it before you press the "next" arrow.
Residency
Answer according to your situation
Visiting the US
"First Visit to the U.S." - This will be the same year of the first entry US entry date you enter below
Visa type/Visitor status:
What you enter for visa types on this screen, in the entry and exit table, will determine your choices of "Current Visa Type" on the next page.
Enter information regarding your visa and U.S. entry and departure dates. You can retrieve your entry and exit dates at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/history-search.
The first date in "Entered US on" will automatically be entered on the next screen in "Date you first entered the US."
Step 1b - Residency: Visa details
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2021]
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
Visa Details
Visa Type:
QUESTION: "How can I change this?"
ANSWER: You can't. Sprintax will display the most recent visa type you entered "Residency Status: Visa Details." Go back to that previous screen and change if this is not correct.
Approximate date you permanently left / intend to permanently leave the US.
QUESTION: What should I enter here?
ANSWER: It must be the same date as the last date entered on the previous screen. Estimate the approximate date you intend to leave. Or enter your visa expiry date." Sprintax will use this date for students whose treaty benefits expire if the stay in the U.S. extends past a certain length of time.
Country of Residence before you entered the US:
QUESTION: How is this different from country of citizenship?
ANSWER: Click on the blue "information dot" to the left of the question.
Some may enter the U.S. from a country they have been living in that is not their country of citizenship. For example, they may have been going to school in another country that is not their country of citizenship.
If you were living (that is, a resident) in another country that was not your home country (immediately prior to coming to the U.S.), then you should enter the name of that country. Why does this matter? Your treaty benefit is not based upon your country of citizenship, it is based upon the country in which you were living (that is, residing, not just visiting) when you came to the U.S. You will need to understand how that country defines "residency."
Step 1C - IF Sprintax thinks you are a resident alien
TIP: Sprintax will evaluate the information you entered in Steps 1A and 1B to determine if you are
a nonresident alien (NRA)
NRAs file IRS Form 1040-NR to report income
Sprintax can be used only by nonresident aliens
OR
a resident alien (RA)
RAs file IRS Form 1040
resident aliens have many options for preparing their income tax forms. See https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free for options that may be free to use
If Sprintax determines you are a resident alien, you will see the following screen:
If Sprintax considers you are a nonresident screen, it won't tell you anything.
You will just continue to Step 2A
Go back to Steps 1A and 1B and review your information to make sure it is accurate.
Step 2A - About You: Getting to know you
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
TIP: If you are doing an internship and only enrolled for one credit hour, you are still considered a full-time student.
Name
e-file tip: Your name and SSN/ITIN entered into Sprintax must match the information the IRS has. This will be on your SSN or ITIN card. If you have an ITIN, you can't e-file.
Occupation:
QUESTION: "How can I change this?"
ANSWER: This is automatically entered based upon your most recent visa status entered on the "Residency Status: Visa Details" screen.
Are you a full time student or scholar in a US educational institution?
QUESTION: My current situation makes me uncertain about how to answer this.
ANSWER: CPT and OPT are part of being a full time student.
Click on the blue text for definitions and the red "What is OPT / CPT" drop-down box for additional Sprintax helps on these topics.
Your school establishes the criteria as to whether you are full time. Ask the international office if you are still uncertain whether you are a full time student or scholar.
Step 2B - Getting to know you: Address, Passport, Phone
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
TIP: Always check "US address" for correspondence unless you expect to soon return permanently to your home country.
Your Address
US Address:
If the IRS or Oregon Department of Revenue need to contact you, they will mail a letter to the address you enter here.
QUESTION: I am going to move soon. What address should I use? OR I just moved. Should I use my old address or new address?
ANSWER: Use your most current address. If you know the address of where you will move to and are certain you will move there, use that. If your address changes from the address you put on your tax returns, don't delay to inform the IRS and your state's department of revenue.
Home Address (outside the US):
QUESTION: I'm not sure what address to use.
ANSWER: Use the address of your parents, close relative, or friend.
US Address or Home Address:
QUESTION: Which address should I select?
ANSWER: Use the address where mail from the Internal Revenue Service will reach you the fastest.
Marital Status
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2021]
When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to the sample answers.
If you have a spouse with you in the U.S. on your F/J visa, you are required to file IRS Form 8843 for each dependent. See following section for dependents.
Dependents
If you have dependents with you in the U.S. on your F/J visa, you will also need to file IRS Form 8843 for each dependent.
If you enter their information here, Sprintax will offer (for a fee) to prepare the IRS Form 8843 for each dependent. You can also complete the IRS Form 8843 on your own.
Nonresident aliens from Canada, Mexico, South Korea, or India who have children may be able to claim the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents.
Others do not need to enter dependent information.
Step 3 - DOCUMENTS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO E-FILE
Beginning tax year 2022, Sprintax added e-filing capability for the federal form.
See Sprintax's blog regarding e-filing: How to E-file 2023 Nonresident Federal Tax Return with Sprintax
TIP: Reasons you might not see the e-file option, or your e-file might be rejected by the IRS:
You have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number); you must have a SSN (Social Security Number) to e-file.
Any names or SSN on record with the IRS do not match the information you entered in the "About You" step of the Sprintax questionnaire. See the "About You" above.
Any of your payment documents (for example W-2, 1042-S) do not have an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or you did not enter the EIN into Sprintax.
Any of your W-2 forms do not have a control number in box d or the control number was not entered into Sprintax. If your W-2 does not have a number in box d, Sprintax suggests entering any five digit number that is not 00000.
Any of your 1042-S forms do not have a unique code identifier or the unique code identifier was not entered into Sprintax.
You allocated some of your income as ‘earned outside the USA’
You entered into Sprintax any of the following documents:
Final payslip,
1099-DIV, 1099-INT or 1099-B,
1099-NEC - Non-Employee Compensation
You have capital gains income (usually reported on 1099-B)
You have form 1099-NEC with box 4 (federal income tax withheld) higher than box 0
You have self-employment income
Step 3A - Let's Talk Money - Income Documents
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
TIP: You can come back to this screen later to add additional documents, for example W-2, 1099-B, etc. If you enter that you have two W-2 documents, you will have to enter each W-2 before you can proceed past those entry screens. For quantity, enter the number of documents that you are prepared to enter at this time.
TIP: recently it has been permitted for security reasons for your employer to only show the last four digits of your SSN. If those digits show "0000" it may mean that they have transmitted to the IRS and state department of revenue without your SSN which may slow down the processing of your form.
TIP: STOCK SALES: If you have sold any stocks during the tax year, each sale will require it's own 1099-B entry screen. If you had 100 sales in the tax year, you will need 100 1099-B entry screens.
TIP: STUDENTS FROM INDIA: Students from India are able to take the standard deduction. That means any state tax refund received from a previous tax year is not taxable this year. You don't need to enter the 1099-G for state tax refunds.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2021]
Income Documents received in 2024 for the 2023 tax year
A note about W-2 forms. One W-2 form normally has multiple copies.
Each employer will send you a W-2 form. Each W-2 form may have multiple copies, but it is one W-2 form.
Copy B - to submit with your federal return.
Copy C - for your records.
Copy 2 - to submit with state tax returns and other local taxes (if any).
If for one employer you worked in multiple states, you should have a "Copy 2" for each state.
Printing W-2 form from PSU Banweb
If you are printing the W-2 from PSU's Banweb, each printing will be one copy. You will need a copy for the federal return, a copy for Oregon's return and a copy for your records.
QUESTION: What type of documents might I receive?
ANSWER: See "Tax Documents That You May Receive" at this page.
QUESTION: I received W-2s from two different employers (or two different 1099-NEC forms or two different 1042-S forms). Should I combine the amounts onto one data entry screen?
ANSWER: No. Each should be input separately. For example, if you received two W-2 forms from different employers, select "W-2" from the income document type and then select "2" in the quantity column. Sprintax will then present you with two input screens (first one, then the second) to enter each W-2 separately. Do not combine them together before entering.
QUESTION: I received a scholarship (or grant or award) from my university but I did not receive a 1042-S. Is there another way to enter that into Sprintax?
ANSWER: You can enter the taxable amount using the "Letter from the Payer (University)" option. Only the amount (of the total of scholarships, grants, etc., received) that is greater than the total amount paid for tuition, school fees, and items required for the course are taxable. So you may not need to enter the whole amount of the scholarship. But if you did have a taxable amount of the scholarship, you should have received a 1042-S with an amount withheld for federal taxes.
Uploading a scan or photo of your documents
Sprintax has a feature that allows you to upload a scan or photo of your income documents. For example, W-2, 1042-S, etc.
You must examine the data that Sprintax enters into your data entry screen and correct any incorrect or missing information.
Step 3B - Let's talk money - W2 Form
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your details, not according to any sample answers.
TIP: Each data box on your W-2 (and other income documents such as 1099-NEC, 1099-B, etc.) will be identified by a letter or a number. For example, box 1 is for federal (US) wages.
Each data entry box on the input screen will also be identified by a letter or a number.
TIP: Sprintax does not identify box 14. It is directly below box 13.
Whether you enter manually or "upload" your document, verify that the contents in each of the data entry boxes matches exactly the data boxes on your income document.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
IMPORTANT: Nonresident aliens are not subject to Social Security or Medicare taxes (aka FICA taxes). If there are any amounts on your W-2 in boxes 3, 4, 5, 6 (Social Security and Medicare Wages and Taxes) then these taxes were incorrectly withheld. See FICA for information about how to have this money refunded. Contact your HR department if these taxes continue to be deducted from your paychecks.
State Taxes Withheld
All amounts of state tax withheld are deductible on the federal tax return. These amounts will show on Schedule A (Itemized Deductions), Line 1a
NOTE: this information about state taxes withheld does not apply to F/J student visa holders from India. This is because students from India do not itemize deductions. By treaty they are allowed to take the standard deduction. Sprintax with automatically do that for students from India.
W-2 Questions
W-2: Box 14
QUESTION: Where is box 14 on the entry form?
ANSWER: For some reason, Sprintax has not labeled box 14. It is right below box 13 and to the left of box 12c and 12d.
On the left side of box 14, there are drop down descriptions (white background); on the right side (blue background) is where you enter the amount. If you don't find a dropdown description for box 14 that matches yours, you will need to contact Sprintax for assistance.
W-2: Incorrect or Missing Social Security Number:
QUESTION: Is this a problem?
ANSWER: YES!!!!!! Inform your employer and tell him you need a corrected copy. Don't take "NO" for an answer. See W-2.
TIP: recently it has been permitted for security reasons for your employer to only show the last four digits of your SSN. If those digits show "0000" it may mean that they have transmitted to the IRS and state department of revenue without your SSN which may slow down the processing of your form.
W-2: My name as printed on the W-2 is different from my social security card:
QUESTION: Is this a problem?
ANSWER: YES!!!!!! Inform your employer and tell him you need a corrected copy. Don't take "NO" for an answer. See W-2.
W-2: My address on the W-2 is not current.
QUESTION: Is this a problem?
ANSWER: No. Just make sure you are giving a current address on your tax return. If your address changes after you submit your return, notify the IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue of your new address.
W-2: There is social security and medicare withholding in boxes 4 and 6.
QUESTION: What do I need to do to get this refunded?
ANSWER: See our FICA page. Complete instructions are there.
W-2: "ORSTTW" in box 14
QUESTION: I have a code "ORSTTW" in box 14 of my W-2.
ANSWER: ORSTTW stands for "Oregon Statewide Transit Tax Withheld." In the list of options for box 14, Sprintax uses "OR STT TW" - Oregon Statewide Transit Tax.
Some payroll companies report the amount in box 14, others in box 20
If you are uncertain about this issue, please contact Sprintax.
W-2: There were amounts in boxes 12 and/or 14 and Sprintax won't let me proceed.
QUESTION: What should I do?
ANSWER: See information about box 12 and box 14 amounts. You may have to contact Sprintax for assistance. There may be an additional charge for handling of amounts in boxes 12 and/or 14
Social Security & Medicare Tax
If one or more of your W-2 documents shows withholding of Social Security tax (box 4) or Medicare tax (box 6) you will see a page regarding this tax and how to get a refund. You can find additional information about the process of how to get a refund of withheld Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Step 3C - Let's Talk Money - 1042-S
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
You may have received this if you claimed treaty benefits or had taxable portions of scholarships/grands/awards.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
Step 3D - Let's Talk Money - 1099-G
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
If you received a state tax refund during the tax year, 2023, then you should have received 1099-G from the state department of revenue. The state tax refund you received last year, during 2023, is reported on the 1040-NR you are submitting for tax year 2023.
If you do have state refunds received during the tax year and these amounts are entered into Sprintax, the total amount will show on Schedule 1, Line 1.
TIP: STUDENTS FROM INDIA: Students from India are able to take the standard deduction on the federal return: 1040-NR. That means any state tax refund received from a previous tax year is not taxable this year. You don't need to enter the 1099-G for state tax refunds. And don't enter the amount of any state tax refund in any other other data entry screen. See more information here.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
Step 3E - Let's Talk Money - 1099-INT
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
TIP: Interest earned on bank checking and savings accounts (including "cash bonuses" for opening an account) is not taxable and does not need to be entered. Interest from investing is taxable.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
1099-INT: Interest Earned
QUESTION: Do I have to include this income on my tax forms?
ANSWER: It depends upon what kind of interest it is.
If this interest was paid regarding a checking account or savings account you opened and it is related to your reason for being here on an F or J visa, it is not taxable. This is includes cash bonuses for opening an account.
But, you can go ahead and enter the 1099-INT into Sprintax. Sprintax will ask you what type of institution paid you the interest. Sprintax will then either include the interest or exclude the interest based upon your answer.
UPDATE regarding 1099-INT form from banks: if your bank sent you a 1099-INT reporting interest paid in box 1 (this may include a bonus paid for opening an account) AND an amount of tax withheld (federal tax withholding in box 4 or state tax withholding in box 17) you MUST enter the 1099-MISC into Sprintax to receive a refund of the federal and state tax withheld.
Step 3F - Let's Talk Money - 1099-NEC
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
If you worked as an independent contractor, payments to you will be reported on a 1099-NEC (non-employee compensation).
If you do enter into Sprintax one or more 1099-NEC forms, the amounts will show on Schedule 1, Line 3, of IRS Form 1040-NR
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
Step 3G&H - Let's Talk Money - 1099-B, 1099-DIV
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
If you have investments you may receive any of the following:
1099-B reports to you gains and losses from investing. Buying an investment is not a taxable event; selling is a taxable event. Each sale will require its own entry screen. If you did a lot of buying and selling you may have a lot of data entry to do.
1099-DIV reports to you dividends paid from investing
1099-INT reports to you interest earned from banks or investing. (Only interest from investing is taxable. See above.)
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
Step 3I - Let's Talk Money - Money Not Reported Elsewhere
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
If you had a taxable scholarships, grants, awards, or prizes, or other income not entered elsewhere you should enter that information here.
If you entered all your taxable income on previous screens, answer "no."
If you make entries here, you are welcome to contact me to review if the income is being taxed at the correct rate.
Step 3J - Let's Talk Money - additional Tax Info
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
Other Taxes and Payments
Did you make estimated payments to IRS?
You might make these payments if you had income for which no federal taxes were being withheld. It's most likely that any payments would be mailed via USPS using IRS form 1040-ES or paid online at https://www.irs.gov/pay.
Did you make estimated payment to state tax office?
You might make these payments if you had income for which no state taxes were being withheld. It's most likely that any payments would be paid by phone, mailed via USPS using form OR-40-V or paid online at https://www.oregon.gov/DOR/Pages/payments.aspx.
Did you file an extension with IRS?
If you did, you would have submitted IRS Form 4868
Did you file an extension with Oregon Department of Revenue for your state personal income tax return?
If you did, you may have submitted Oregon Form 40-EXT. But If you’ve already requested a federal extension using Form 4868, Oregon recognizes it, and you do not need to request a separate Oregon extension.
QUESTION (regarding any of the four above): How should I answer these questions?
ANSWER: It is unlikely that you did, but I would hope that you would remember if you did.
If you answer yes to any of the above, the screen will expand to collect more information about your answer.
Step 3K - Let's Talk Money - PREVIOUS U.S. Tax Returns
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
This following screen can be one of the more confusing. Initially you will only see two questions: did you file a U.S. tax return before and did you file a state tax return before. If you answer "yes" to either of those you will be asked more questions.
TIP: STUDENTS FROM INDIA: Don't enter the amounts of any state tax refunds received during the school year. Students from India are able to take the standard deduction and any refunds of state taxes are not taxable.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
NOTE: in the discussion below, "last tax year" refers to Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2022.
Have you filed a US federal tax return before?
In this section, Sprintax wants to find out if you claimed any or all of your state income tax as a deduction on last year's federal (1040-NR for nonresident aliens, 1040 or 1040A for residents and resident aliens) tax return.
In addition, Sprintax wants to know if you had any of last year's federal tax refund held to be applied to this year's federal income tax return.
QUESTION: How should I answer this?
ANSWER: Did you file a federal (IRS) tax return for any previous year? If so, answer yes and enter the year (the most recent year for which you filed a federal return) as well as the form number (likely 1040-NR).
If you filed a 1040 or 1040EZ in a previous year when your status was nonresident alien, then you filed the incorrect form. You are welcome to contact me to discuss this issue.
Depending upon how you answer this question, Sprintax will ask you additional questions next about your state tax refunds received during last tax year.
Did you claim state tax expenses on your 2022 federal tax return . . . "
If you ARE a Nonresident Alien student from India:
If you claimed the standard deduction ($12,950 in 2022) on 1040-NR, Sch A, Line 1b) in the previous year . . .
. . . then you did not claim state tax expense and you do not have to report any state tax refund on this year's 1040-NR. See "India F1 Students" for more information. You can answer "no" to the question about filing a tax return before.
If you ARE NOT a nonresident alien student from India:
If you previously answered that you DID file a federal return last year ("Have you filed a US federal tax return before?"), Sprintax will ask if you claimed a state tax expense as a deduction. (Look at the next two lines for information about where to look based upon which form you filed.)
If last year you filed 1040-NR, Sprintax will ask if you claimed state tax expenses on Schedule A, Line 1b. If yes, you will provide the amount from last year's 1040-NR, Schedule A, Line 1b.
Have you filed a state tax return before?
What Sprintax wants in this section is to find out how much you received in refunds from all of the state income tax returns you filed for the previous tax year.
QUESTION: How should I answer this?
ANSWER: You will have to remember whether you filed any state tax returns for the previous tax year. If so, answer yes and enter the information requested. Sprintax will then ask regarding state tax expenses that were deducted. If it was an Oregon return, it would be likely be OR 40-N, but could have been OR 40 or OR 40P.
Did you have any over-payment listed on your 2022 state tax return?
QUESTION: How should I answer this?
ANSWER: Look on your 2022 state tax returns. If you did have an over-payment (a refund), say yes; then enter each state and for each state the amount of that state's tax refund to you during 2023.
Step 3L - Let's Talk Money - Tax Treaty Verification
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
If your country has a treaty with the U.S. with benefits for nonresident alien scholars and students, then you will have some questions to answer.
You won't see this section if your country has no tax treaty benefit with the U.S.
The following example uses India.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
Tax Treaty Verification
NOTE: The tax treat benefit listed here is based upon the "Country of Residence" you entered on the "Visa Details" page.
Months claimed in prior tax years:
QUESTION: What should I enter?
ANSWER: Count the number of months beginning with the first month you arrived on your F or J visa. Do not count the months in the current tax year (you are counting the months claimed in prior years). Include all months even if you are not in the U.S. for some of that time.
Would you like to claim the maximum exemption allowed under these income tax treaties?
QUESTION: How do I answer?
ANSWER: If you are a student from India, I don't know of any reason to say "no." For the rest, read on.
If you are not a student from India:
Unless your treaty specifies differently, your treaty benefit period begins on the day you first arrived on the visa type (F or J) and will be for a specified number of years. And some treaty benefits are not limited to a specified amount per tax year. So, for example, if your treaty benefit is for two years and your treaty benefit begins on Sept 17, 2017 (the day you first arrived on your visa) your treaty benefit period would end Sept 17, 2019. Any payments for work received after Sept 17, 2019, would not be exempted from taxation by your treaty benefit.
If you are a PSU student you should review the conditions of the treaty benefit for the country you were living in before you came to the US on your F or J visa (as stated in the form 8233 attachment proved by PSU). Do you meet those conditions?
In addition, you should read the relevant portion of the tax treaty as quoted in IRS Publication 901 US Tax Treaties. One of the conditions you want to look for is whether you retroactively lose the treaty benefit if your stay exceeds a stated length of time.
Using the publication outline, find the follow sections:
Publication 901 - Main Content
Tax Exemptions Provided by Treaties
Professors, Teachers, and Researchers
Then find your country in this section
Students and Apprentices
Then find your country in this section
Possible Retroactive Loss of Treaty Benefit if Stay in U.S. Exceeds Time Specified in Treaty Article
Some treaty articles state that the treaty benefit is lost if the student or scholar's presence in the U.S. exceeds a period of time stated in the treaty article. If the benefit is lost retroactively, previously filed tax returns that claimed a treaty benefit would have to be recalculated and amended (submitted again with the correction) and any additional tax due would have to be paid at that time.
The following residents of the countries listed below should check Publication 901 regarding the possible retroactive loss of treaty benefit should they stay in the U.S. beyond a designated time period. You can also see a summary of treaties at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4011.pdf, pages 5-7 (as numbered on the page).
Germany(DEU) Students Income Code 20 Benefit retroactively lost if stay exceeds time limit of 4 years. Treaty Article 20(4)
Luxembourg(LUX) Students Income Code 20 Benefit retroactively lost if stay exceeds time limit of 2 years. Treaty Article 21(2)
India(IND) Teachers, researchers Income Code 19 Benefit retroactively lost if stay exceeds time limit of 2 years. Treaty Article 22
Luxembourg(LUX) Teachers, researchers Income Code 19 Benefit retroactively lost if stay exceeds time limit of 2 years. Treaty Article 21(2)
Netherlands(NLD) Teachers, researchers Income Code 19 Benefit retroactively lost if stay exceeds time limit of 2 years. Treaty Article 21(1)
Thailand(THA) Teachers, researchers Income Code 19 Benefit retroactively lost if stay exceeds time limit of 2 years. Treaty Article 23
United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland) (GBR) Professors, teachers Income Code 19 Benefit retroactively lost if stay exceeds time limit of 2 years. Treaty Article 20A
After reviewing this information, you have to decide if there is a reason to not use the treaty benefit.
Is any of the income listed in the table above also taxable in [YOUR COUNTRY NAME]?
ANSWER: You will have to ask someone knowledgeable about taxes in your country.
Step 4 - Offset Your Expenses
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
For nonresident aliens on F or J, there are a limited number of expenses you might be able to deduct from your income
TIP: STUDENTS FROM INDIA: If you are a student from India taking the standard deduction, the total amount of your expenses would have to exceed the standard deduction before you would benefit from manually entering in those deductible expenses.
Deductible expenses include:
Charitable Contributions
Step 4 - Offset Your Expenses - ACADEMIC EXPENSES
TIP: If the student loan interest is deductible you should have received a 1098-E from your loan institution/company showing the amount that is deductible.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2021]
TIP: if you are not able to claim any of these expenses, leave the box empty; do not enter "zero."
School Expenses - Supplies, Books, Course-related Fees, Equipment Cost
If you there are portions of scholarships/awards/grants that are taxable, the taxable portion can be reduced by amounts that you paid for supplies, books, equipment and other expenses required for the course.
You need to provide those details to Sprintax and they will determine if they are eligible.
Contact me if you think you could benefit from this and we can test it.
Student Loan Interest Deduction
Did you pay interest on a qualified student loan?
If you did not receive a 1098-E from the source of the loan, it likely does not quality as a deduction.
If you do enter an amount for interest paid on a qualified student loan, the amount will show on Schedule 1, Line 21
QUESTION: How do I know if my loan is qualified?
ANSWER: Don't guess! You may have to prove it to the IRS.
Click on the "blue text" for additional info. Loans from family members are not qualified. I'm not sure how loans from your home country are evaluated. If in doubt, get a written statement from the source of the loan (bank, finance company) stating how much you paid in interest during the tax year.
See IRS Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, search for "Student loan interest expense"
Step 4B - Offset your expenses - Other Expenses
Charitable Contributions
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
If you do enter charitable donations, these amounts will show on Schedule A: Itemized Deductions.
TIP: STUDENTS FROM INDIA: if your total deductions are not greater than the standard deduction, you will not benefit by entering in any charitable contributions.
Step 4 - Offset Your Expenses - Health Insurance
Health Insurance Payments
TIP : You would only receive a 1095-A if you purchased your health insurance from the U.S. goverment's "Health Insurance Marketplace" website.
QUESTION: Do I need to do anything with my 1095-A, B, or C?
ANSWER: These forms report Health Insurance coverage information for the year.
As an international student or scholar, you would likely receive 1095-B. Keep it in your tax records; it is not needed for the tax forms.
1095-C: you do not need to enter any information into your tax return.
1095-A: You would only receive a 1095-A if you purchased health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov. If you did receive a 1095-A, it will require special handling by Sprintax.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2021]
Step 5 - About Your College / College Details
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
For J visiting scholars, teachers, professors, researchers, use the name, phone and school addresses that are on your DS 2019
For F and J students, use the name, phone and school addresses that are on your I-20. For program director, PSU will show the name of one of the immigration advisers (not your academic adviser).
University/college details
Address for PSU Students only (other schools refer to your I-20)
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland OR 97207
503 725 4094
Program director details
Address for PSU Students only (other schools refer to your I-20)
[advisor name*], PSU OISSS
615 SW Harrison St
Portland OR 97201
503 725 4094
*Advisor Name: you can use the name of the advisor who signed your I-20.
Course / program details
Step 6 - State Taxes - Transferring Your Data
No user input is needed on this screen
Step 6 - State Taxes - Living in the U.S.
Based upon your US entries and exits entered in Step 1: Residency section, you will give information for the current tax year detailing which days you were out of country and, for days you were in the US, which state you were in.
These dates and locations are about where you were living, not about trips to other states.
Because you are in the US on an F or J visa, your "type of visit" in each state is temporary even if that is the state you are living in while living in the US.
TIP: This data is needed to help the software know which state tax forms are needed.
The dates you enter here must be in agreement with the US entry/exit dates you entered in the residency section.
The first "entry date" will be January 1. The last "exit date" will be 12/31
As and F or J visa student or scholar, your living situation in any state is temporary.
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2021]
Example entries below. You will report for dates in 2023.
Living in the US
If you are confused about how to enter the dates, click on "example" (blue text) on the Sprintax entry screen for an example.
In Step 1: the Residency section, you entered all your visits to the U.S. which would include dates you entered and exited.
Here, you are going to enter details about which states you lived in 2023 while here in the U.S. The other periods of time you will mark as "outside US."
If you travel in the U.S. for visits, you don't need to provide those details. But if you moved from one state to another, you will enter the dates you moved to or out of the state.
The first date will be January 1 (even though that may not have been a date of entry).
The last date will be December 31 (even though you may not be exiting that date).
The details you enter must account for where you lived (while in the country) for the entire year, beginning with Jan 1 and ending with Dec 31,
The purpose for this is to determine which state tax returns you may need to file.
See notes under "residency determination."
Step 6 - State Taxes - Collecting Details for State Returns
If you worked in more than on state during the tax year, Sprintax will verify your status in that state.
FYI: Not all states have income taxes
Only Oregon will be shown below
Step 6 - Oregon - Residency Determination
If you are in Oregon on your F or J visa, you are here for temporary purpose.
If you lived in other states, you may see similar screens for those other states.
Residency Determination
You will be asked if you are in Oregon for temporary purposes. According to the federal government (which issued your visa) as a nonresident or resident alien student or visiting scholar, you are here for temporary purposes.
Each state can have their own definition of residency. For each state in which you worked, I would suggest you review the instruction forms for those states' definitions of residency.
You can find Oregon instruction books on the download page in the Oregon section.
Whether the state classifies you as resident, non-resident, or part-year resident may affect which form you should complete.
Step 6 - State Taxes - Which States Require Returns From You?
Based upon the data you have entered, Sprintax will present the list of states to which you need to submit state income tax returns.
Select the states that you wish Sprintax to prepare for you. Sprintax charges for each state return.
State Taxes - Selecting Which State Returns You Wish Sprintax to Return
Based upon which states you worked in, you will be asked which states you would like to have Sprintax complete a tax form. You can check or uncheck any box. For each State that remains checked, Sprintax will prepare a return for that state, if one is required.
The PSU access code will pay for the federal return only.
Checking the box for any state does not commit you to purchase that state return
On the "Let's review your order page" (see below) you can keep or remove any state form listed. Even if you remove a state, you can come back later and add it back in and download the prepared form.
You may be asked for additional information to enable Sprintax to complete that state tax forms that remain checked.
Step 6 - Oregon: Additional Questions
REMEMBER: When answering questions asked by the program, answer according to your situation, not according to any sample answers.
TIP: The "dam" question: If you did not work in a hydroelectric dam, the answer is "not applicable."
TIP: If you are a student from India and file 1040-NR in the previous year, you would have used the "standard deduction." Students from any other country would have used "itemized deductions."
[NOTE: This is a screenshot from tax year 2022]
The Dam Question
In which dam you worked (if any)?
Answer: Not applicable (unless you were employed at a dam)
Housing expenses deductible from taxable scholarship income
This deduction is only allowed for those who have taxable scholarship income.
If some or all of your taxable scholarship/grant/award was taxable, you may have previously entered amounts for course-required expenses. This reduced the amount taxable on your federal return.
Oregon also allows you to deduct amounts spent on housing expenses. You will enter that amount on this screen.
Questions about previous Oregon return
You will need to have last year's Oregon return (if you filed one) to answer some of these questions.
Kicker Refund - There is a kicker refund on the 2023 OR-40-N tax return.
On the 2023 Oregon tax return there is a line to claim your "Kicker Refund." Sprintax needs a number from your 2022 Oregon Form OR-40-N, Line 48; Form OR-40-P, Line 47; or Form OR-40, Line 22. That number multiplied by .44280 is the amount of "Kicker Refund" you will receive in addition to any other refund you might already be receiving.
Adjustment for income taxes paid to another state (if any)
If you didn't pay income taxes to another state last year, leave this blank.
Enter the amount of credit for income taxes paid to another state reported as codes 802 and 815 on your 2021 Schedule OR-ASC-NP, Section 5 or Schedule OR-ASC, Section 3.
VITA Volunteer Question
Do you have a VITA volunteer helping you to prepare your tax return?
ANSWER: FOCUS volunteers are not VITA volunteers.
Let's Review The Numbers - Federal
Federal Income and Tax Summary
This is a summary of the calculations that appear on the tax form; this is not your tax form.
Click on the blue "(more)" to see detail; click on the blue "(less)" to hide the detail.
At the bottom you will see whether you will receive a refund or have an amount you owe.
Federal Tax - Refunds or Tax Owed
If Sprintax tells you that you will received a refund, it will ask you for information about how you want to receive it.
Should I have them send me a check or do direct deposit? Is direct deposit safe?
ANSWER: Direct deposit is safest and fastest.
If Sprintax tells you that you owe additional taxes, it will give you information about how to pay it.
Let's Review The Numbers - State
State Income and Tax Summary
This is a summary of the calculations that appear on the tax form; this is not your tax form.
Click on the blue "(more)" to see detail; click on the blue "(less)" to hide the detail.
At the bottom you will see whether you will receive a refund or have an amount you owe.
State Tax-Refunds or Tax Owed
If Sprintax tells you that you will receive a refund, it will ask you for information about how you want to receive it.
Should I have them send me a check or do direct deposit? Is direct deposit safe?
ANSWER: Direct deposit is safest and fastest.
If Sprintax tells you that you owe additional taxes, it will give you information about how to pay it.
OPTIONAL SERVICES that Sprintax sells
Post-Filing Service
Sprintax will assist you if the taxing agency has questions or issues related to your filed return. This is an optional purchase.
Forms for CPT and OPT
Sprintax will produce a form to inform your CPT or OPT employer:
about any tax treaty benefits you may be eligible for and that you are a nonresident alien
Tax Treaty information can be found at PSU's Tax Treaty Page
and not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes.
You can also find that information at FICA
Let's Review Your Order
Questions About Amounts Charged and the Discount Code
Do I have to pay $51.95 for the federal return? I thought it was free?
ANSWER: Sprintax charges for the federal return. But if you are a PSU international student or scholar, PSU has purchased access codes that will reduce your cost to $0.00 dollars. Enter the access code and it will remove the charge for the federal return.
There may be other optional forms or services that Sprintax offers that have an additional charge.
CAUTION: If you apply the code when you have only selected 8843, you will have to pay for the federal return fee should you later decide to add the federal form.
Where do I get the access code?
ANSWER: If you are a PSU international student or scholar, the international sends emails in February and March regarding tax filing. Some of these emails will also include instructions for how to get the code. These emails are sent to the address you gave to the international office for school communication. Search your inbox for these emails containing the word "Sprintax" or "Tax Obligations."
I went to PSU and am now on OPT. Can I still get the code?
ANSWER: Contact the PSU International Office. Let them know you are a PSU graduate still on F or J visa doing OPT. Ask them if you still qualify to receive the code.
I worked in other states, too. Do I have to pay a separate charge for each state return?
ANSWER: Each state has their own tax laws and tax forms. Sprintax will complete a form for each state in which you had taxable income. Sprintax charges a fee for each state return. You can manually complete your own form or there may be other options for free file of state returns (see each state's Department of Revenue site). Otherwise, you will have to pay Sprintax for the forms you chose to have them prepare.
I'm only getting a $10 refund from state tax but I have to pay $44.95 to Sprintax. Do I have to file?
ANSWER: Yes, you have to file, but you can press the "remove" button and complete the Oregon state form in other ways, if you wish.
If you are curious about how the federal forms are used in preparing the Oregon forms, see the following:
TIP: "An example of how 1040NR is used to complete the OR 40N" at "Current Year - Oregon."
Filing Options
Sprintax is not able to e-file all federal returns. For more information, see Sprintax's blog regarding e-filing with Sprintax.
http://blog.sprintax.com/nonresident-federal-tax-efiling-live/
Sprintax lists the reasons why e-filing the federal might not work for you.
e-File your federal tax forms and mail (USPS) your state tax forms.
If Sprintax is able to submit your federal return through e-file, DO NOT mail a hard copy unless requested by the IRS.
Your e-file may be rejected by the IRS; you will then need to print and mail the federal form. There does not seem to be any option to correct the e-file.
Mail (USPS) hard copies of your Federal and State tax forms.
See instructions in the federal and state PDF after you download them.
Downloading the PDF file for Each Sprintax-prepared Return
After you have finished making payment you will need to download the PDFs that contain your tax returns. For each return you have paid for, you will have a PDF to download. Save that to a location that is secure, backed up, and will be accessible in the years to come.
TIP: When you download, Sprintax will offer "federal.pdf" and "state.pdf" as file names. I would suggest you put the tax year and the beginning of the filename (for example "2023 federal.pdf." BETTER: I would suggest for federal: "2023 1040-NR and 8843.pdf" and for Oregon" 2023 OR-40-N.pdf
If you discover an error, you can revisit the input screens, make the needed corrections and download the updated forms for no additional charge.
Submitting (filing) Your Return.
BEFORE PRINTING, please review the Sprintax PDFs for instructions about how to submit your return. You will not submit all the pages in the PDF.
You can also review this information about how to submit your returns.
Your return is considered "filed" on the date it is e-filed or the date the USPS stamps on the envelope after you mail (post) the return.