File Your Taxes As A BridgeUSA J-1 Exchange Visitor
It is very important to note that If you worked while in the US on a BridgeUSA J-1 Program, you are required to file a tax return by law before the tax filing on or around April 15th of the following year. Failure to comply with your US tax obligations will result in a breach of IRS regulations and will jeopardize your chances of a successful US visa application in future.
Because of this requirement, Odyssey International Exchange has partnered and strongly recommends Sprintax – who are one of the only software providers that specialize in nonresident tax returns, supporting over 300,000 nonresidents with taxes every year. J-1 participants are referred to as ‘nonresident aliens’ under IRS regulation and it is important to note that online providers such as Turbo Tax are not suitable for non-residents aliens.
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If you were in the US on a J visa at any time between January 1 and December 31 of the tax year, you are required to submit at least one form—Form 8843—to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if you did not earn any income.
Additionally, if you earned income as a nonresident J visa holder, you are legally obligated to file a federal tax return with the IRS. Failure to do so would violate IRS regulations and could affect your ability to return to the US on future visas. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be required to file state tax returns.
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The tax deadline for both nonresidents who earned US income to file federal tax returns for the tax filing deadline on or around April 15th of the following year.
It is very important that you file by this date, as filing late may lead to fines and penalties as well as future visa issues.
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Sprintax is a resource available for nonresidents that provides online federal and state tax preparation software for nonresidents in the US.
Once you login to Sprintax, you will be asked a series of questions about the time you have spent in the United States and your immigration status, looking back over a period of years. With this information, 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 send 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.
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Generally, most J-1 Intern/Trainees, Summer Work and Travel, Au Pairs, Teachers and Camp Counsellors are considered nonresidents for tax purposes. So, most people in this these categories are automatically considered nonresidents if they have only spent 2 out of the last 6 calendar years in the US.
If you’ve been in the US for longer than 2 years for the last 6 years period, the Substantial Presence Test will determine your tax residency. You can complete the substantial presence test and determine your tax residency status easily using Sprintax!
Step-by-step Guide On How To File Your Nonresident Tax Forms (J and F)
Gather The Documents You May Need For Sprintax:
Passport
Visa/Immigration information, including form I-20 (F status) or form DS-2019 (J status).
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.
US entry and exit dates for current and past visits to the US - In addition to passport stamps, it is possible to review or print your US travel history on the IRS website.
1099 - This form reports miscellaneous income. Can be interest on bank accounts, stocks, bonds, dividends, earning through freelance employment.
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You can create a user account by visiting the Sprintax website and creating a UserID and password or if you have an existing account on Sprintax you can log in using your existing credentials.
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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.
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If you had no US Income: Sprintax will generate a completed Form 8843 for you and each of your dependents (if you have any).
With US Income: Sprintax will generate your "tax return documents", including either a 1040NR, and/or state tax return depending on your circumstances.
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This filing season you may be able to e-file your Federal tax return directly to the IRS through Sprintax if you are eligible to do so. If not, remember to read the mailing instructions that Sprintax provides. If you have dependents, each one must mail their 8843 in a separate envelope. You will still need to print, sign and mail your state tax return if applicable.
Need Sprintax Support?
Sprintax has an extensive knowledge base that covers many of the frequently asked questions received from nonresidents. Here, you will find webinars, FAQs, articles, and more that cover all you need to know about your taxes and how Sprintax works.
Additional Sprintax educational tax videos, blogs and webinars
You will have access to the Sprintax YouTube account where you can find a number of educational videos on nonresident taxes to provide further clarity on the subject of using Sprintax and nonresident tax.
There is also a Sprintax J-1 tax guide as well as further learning resources on the blog site, which go through tax-related topics and can be of use to you.
DISCLAIMER: Our institution is NOT permitted to assist nonresidents 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.