Who must file tax forms for 2022 tax season?

If you were physically in the U.S. in F or J status anytime between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 you're obligated to send one form, Form 8843, to the U.S. tax agency IRS (Internal Revenue Service), even if you had no income. For the 2021 tax season, if you earn $1 of US source income or greater, you may need to file a federal tax return with the IRS. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also need to file a state tax return(s).

Tax Filing Deadline:

Tuesday April 18, 2022 is the last day for residents and non-residents who earned U.S. income to file Federal tax returns for 2022.

Resident or Non-Resident for Federal Tax Purposes:

Generally, most international students & scholars who are on F, J, M or Q visas are considered non-residents for tax purposes. International undergraduate students on J1 & F1 visas are automatically considered non-resident for their first 5 calendar years in the US, whilst Scholars/Researchers on J visas are automatically considered non-residents for 2 out of the last 6 calendar years in the US. If you’ve been in the US for longer than the 5 or 2 year periods, the Substantial Presence Test will determine your tax residency.

How to File:

We have teamed up with Sprintax to provide you with easy-to-use tax preparation software designed for non-resident students and scholars in the U.S. We (and all other Columbia Theological Seminary staff) are not qualified or allowed to provide individual tax advice.

After you login to Sprintax, it will ask you a series of questions about the time you have spent in the United States and in which immigration status, looking back over a period of years. Sprintax will then determine your tax status. If it determines that you are a "nonresident alien" (NRA) for federal tax purposes, you can continue to use it to respond to a series of guided questions. Sprintax will complete and generate the forms you need to print, sign, and mail to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). If it determines you are a resident alien for federal tax purposes, you won't be able to continue using the software.

Step by Step guide on How to File Your Non-Resident Tax Forms (F & J) 

1. Gather the documents you may need for Sprintax

   • See document checklist here

2. Create a Sprintax Account:

   • Follow the link to Sprintax to set up your account. 

   • Open your new Sprintax account by creating a UserID and password or if you have an existing account on Sprintax from a prior year, 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 U.S. 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. Enter your unique code 22CTS20F in the box on the ‘Review your order’ page.  This unique code will cover the costs of the federal tax return and 8843 at no cost to you. You will be required to pay a fee for any state tax return or other additional forms.

6. MAIL your completed federal and/or state forms to IRS and/or state tax authorities

   There is no option to electronically file.  You must physically mail your returns.  Remember to read the mailing instructions that Sprintax provides. If you have dependents, each one must mail their 8843 in a separate envelope. 
   

NEED  SUPPORT?

If you need help while using Sprintax, contact them:

• 24/7 Live Chat Help

• Refer to their FAQs

• Email at hello@sprintax.com

• Call 1-866-601-5695
  

EDUCATIONAL TAX VIDEOS AND BLOG:

You also have access to the Sprintax YouTube account where there are a number of educational videos on non-resident taxes to provide further clarity on the subject of using Sprintax and non-resident tax. There is also a Sprintax Blog which go through tax related topics and can be of use to you.

YouTube Video

DISCLAIMER: International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) and Columbia Theological Seminary are NOT permitted to assist any student/scholar with any IRS tax form preparation or tax related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office.

Free Sprintax Webinars for Spring 2023

• Wednesday, February 22rd @ 12pm EST – Register here

• Wednesday, March 1st @ 1pm EST – Register here

• Tuesday, March 21st @ 4pm EST – Register here

• Wednesday, March 30th @ 12pm EST – Register here

• Wednesday, April 5th @ 1pm EST – Register here

• Tuesday, April 11th @ 1pm EST – Register here

• Friday, April 14th @ 12pm EST – Register here

Webinars for OPT/CPT approved Students:

• Sprintax Nonresident Tax Overview for OPT/CPT (E) on Feb 21, 2023 10:00 AM EST – Register here

• Sprintax Nonresident Tax Overview for OPT/CPT (E) on Mar 16, 2023 11:00 AM EDT – Register here

Have Questions?