Sprintax Returns is a user-friendly tax preparation software for nonresident aliens for tax purposes. Qualifying students and scholars can file their federal tax return with Sprintax for free.

You are not required to use Sprintax to file your federal return regardless of your tax residency status.

Who is eligible?

Only nonresident aliens for tax purposes can use Sprintax Returns to file their federal tax returns.

If you do not know your tax residency status, Sprintax can help you determine what it is. Sprintax can recommend other tax filing resources if you learn you are a resident alien for tax purposes, or you can reference the resources on our Taxes in the U.S. page.

If the above criteria are met, the following foreign nationals can receive a waiver of the federal filing fee through Sprintax:

  • Current and active F-1 and J-1 students
  • F-1 and J-1 students who graduated from WashU in 2025 (includes students currently on OPT & AT)
  • Current J-1 scholars
  • J-1 scholars who were in the U.S. in 2025

Read below to see how to access and apply the waiver.

Accessing Sprintax filing software

We do not recommend that you file your taxes before February 1 or until you receive all your supporting tax documents, whichever is later. Remember that you may not have all the documents you need to file your return until mid-March.

You will receive an email from OISS letting you know when you can begin using Sprintax with the applied WashU discount.

Current students and scholars

If you are a current WashU student or scholar, OISS will not provide you a discount code. When you are ready to finish your tax return, Sprintax will automatically apply the discount code.

You must log in to Sprintax using your WashU email.

Log in information to be published in 2026

Former students and scholars

If you are a former WashU student or scholar, you will need to email OISS at oiss@wustl.edu to request a discount code.

Once you have proceeded through the required steps in Sprintax (more details below), you must manually enter the code at checkout.

Log in information to be published in 2026

Filing instructions

If you have taxable income to report:

  1. Collect supporting tax documents, which may include the following:
    • W-2
    • 1042-S (timing)
    • Stipend tax letter
    • Note: you may have other tax forms and documents (such as Form 8233, W-8BEN, W-9, etc.) that you have completed or your employer has had you complete before. These forms may be helpful to reference even if they are not submitted as part of the tax return process.
  2. Ensure that you have a tax ID or prepare to apply for one
  3. Log in to Sprintax to verify your tax residency status and complete questions on the tax return form
    • The Sprintax software will guide you through this step. Follow Sprintax prompts. If you do not know how to complete something, utilize the Sprintax Chat in the [bottom right corner].
    • Note: OISS cannot assist you in completing the information in Sprintax as we are not trained tax professionals.
  4. Complete and file the tax return by following Sprintax prompts
    • Be sure your account shows the discount code at checkout. The code will only apply to your federal tax return cost. If you’re filing a state return with Sprintax, you must pay for it yourself and enter a personal payment method at checkout.
    • IMPORTANT – you must take action to physically file your tax return. You may be eligible to e-file your federal return, but in many instances, you need to print out documents and send them via physical mail to the IRS or the applicable state revenue department.
    • Be sure to read the entire PDF packet provided by Sprintax at the end of the process! It will contain important instructions about next steps.
    • When mailing documents, we highly recommend you send everything via Certified Mail. This includes tracking and proof of delivery in case your documents are lost.

If you do not have taxable income to report and you are a nonresident alien for tax purposes, you must file Form 8843.

  1. Log in to Sprintax to verify your tax residency status and complete questions as prompted.
  2. Follow Sprintax instructions to mail Form 8843 to the IRS.
    • Note: You do not have to have a tax ID in order to file Form 8843 only.
    • When mailing documents to the IRS, we highly recommend you send everything via Certified Mail. This includes tracking and proof of delivery in case your documents are lost.

Sprintax blog

The Sprintax blog is a great resource for helpful information related to tax filing, tax residency status, tax treaties and other U.S. tax topics.

If you have questions about taxes, starting with the Sprintax blog is a great first step.

This is just a sample of blog posts that may be of interest to international students and scholars:

Browse and search the blog for more topics!

Disclaimer Statement

U.S. tax laws are complex and laws that apply to foreign nationals are often different from laws that apply to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The resources provided on this page may help you better understand your tax obligations, learn where to go for more information and successfully submit your tax forms. For specific questions pertaining to your individual situation and your unique tax obligations, we recommend you contact the IRS, the appropriate state or local government, or a qualified tax professional.