Sprintax Returns is user-friendly tax preparation software designed for non-resident aliens (NRAs) for U.S. tax purposes. OISS provides international students and scholars, sponsored by WashU (F-1 & J-1 immigration status), with discounted access to Sprintax Returns as an option for meeting tax filing responsibilities required of visa holders in the U.S.

Who is eligible?

WashU covers NRA fees for filing the U.S. federal tax return and Form 8843 via U.S. Sprintax Returns for the following groups:

  • Current and active F-1 and J-1 students sponsored by WashU, including those on OPT or AT
  • Current J-1 scholars sponsored by WashU
  • Former F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 scholars sponsored by WashU who were in the U.S. in 2025

State Tax Returns: Sprintax Returns can also prepare state tax form(s) for NRAs for an additional fee.

Determine your U.S. tax residency status

Sprintax Returns is comprehensive, online software that prepares tax filings for NRAs for U.S. tax purposes. To determine your U.S. tax residency status, Sprintax Returns will guide you through the substantial presence test.

  • If you are a non-resident for U.S. tax purposes (NRA), Sprintax Returns will guide you through a series of questions to help you complete your tax return forms.
  • If you are a resident for U.S. tax purposes (RA), you will not be able to use Sprintax Returns to file your U.S. tax return. In this case, Sprintax Returns will suggest alternate tax filing software for RAs. However, you can use any tax preparation software meant for RAs or hire a tax professional.

Access Sprintax Returns

First, review all information on this page to ensure you have all of the necessary information and tax documents, as well as the “Active WashU Key – Sprintax” link or your discount code from OISS.

Choose the correct option

Student or scholar with ACTIVE WashU Key

If you are a current WashU F-1/J-1 student or scholar with an active WashU Key, you must access Sprintax Returns with the link below:

  • You must log in to Sprintax Returns using your WashU email at the link below!
  • The link below is a custom WashU link that uses your WashU credentials to automatically waive the federal tax return and Form 8843 fees.
I have an active WashU Key

This link will be active by Feb 1, 2026.

FORMER student or scholar without an active WashU Key*

If you are a former WashU F-1/J-1 student or J-1 scholar and no longer have access to your WashU Key (WashU email), follow these steps:

  1. Email OISS at oiss@wustl.edu to request a unique discount code for Sprintax Returns. In your email, include your full name and date of birth.
  2. Upon verification of your eligibility, OISS will email you a link and code to waive the federal tax return and Form 8843 fees.

If you do not have an active WashU key

OISS will provide a unique Sprintax Returns code to waive the federal tax return and Form 8843 fees for these groups affiliated with WashU in 2025 who do not have an active WashU Key:

  • Former F-1/J-1 students including those on OPT and AT
  • Current J-1 scholars who do not have a WashU Key
  • J-1 scholars who were in the U.S. in 2025

All current students and scholars with an active WashU Key (WashU email) should use the link above to access the automatic discount.

Steps to file with Sprintax Returns

Step 1: Gather your documents

  • Passport
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • SSN or ITIN
  • U.S. entry and exit dates for all current and past visits to the U.S. Visit the U.S. Customs & Border Protection I-94 website to view your “Travel History” for your arrivals and departures.
  • All applicable supporting tax documents* (W-2, 1042-S, 1099, Stipend Tax Letter, etc.). WashU employees only: In mid-January, WashU will share more information about where to locate your WashU supporting tax documents.

*You may not have all of these documents for 2025.

Step 2: Sign in to (or create) Sprintax Returns account

Sprintax Returns saves your information so you can log in and out without starting over. If you use Sprintax Returns in future years, your information will carry over. 

  • If you used Sprintax Returns last year with your WashU email, simply log in with your WashU email address. See Access Sprintax Returns above.
  • If you forgot your password, use the “forgot password” link on the Sprintax Returns Login page for users with an active WashU Key (email).

Step 3: Follow the instructions

  • Once you are logged in to your account, Sprintax Returns will determine your U.S. tax residency status based on the information you provide about your time in the U.S.
  • If you are a NRA, you will be prompted to answer questions to file your tax return forms.
  • If you need assistance or have questions, use the “Sprintax Chat” resource in the bottom right corner.

Step 4: Complete your state tax return, if applicable

After you finish your federal tax return, Sprintax Returns will inform you if you must file any state tax returns. If so, you may choose to use Sprintax Returns for an additional fee for each state tax return you file. This is an optional step through Sprintax Returns. Instead, you cab complete and file a state tax return on your own (via Missouri Department of Revenue or other state agencies), as required by your situation.

Step 5: Complete and submit your tax return(s) by the deadline

  • Your account should show that your federal tax return and Form 8843 fees are waived at checkout.
  • If you’re filing a state tax return with Sprintax Returns, you must personally pay with a credit card.
  • IMPORTANT – you must take action to physically file your tax return. You may be eligible to e-file your federal tax 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.
  • Sprintax Returns will provide instructions when you finish your process in the software. Read the entire instructions PDF packet. It contains important mailing instructions and next steps.
  • Keep copies of the documents that you are filing. You will need this information for future tax filing years.
  • When mailing documents, we highly recommend sending through Certified Mail. This includes tracking and proof of delivery in case your documents are lost.

Deadlines

April 15, 2026 if you had taxable income in 2025.

June 15, 2026 if you had no taxable income in 2025 and the 8843 is the only form you are obligated to file.

If you have dependents, each one must mail their own 8843 in a separate envelope.

Sprintax Returns webinars

Sprintax Returns offers free webinars for NRA international students and scholars to learn how to use their software to prepare a compliant tax return. The webinars also explain U.S. tax residency status, state tax returns, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), implications of misfiling, and more. Various dates and times are offered beginning in January 2026 and ending mid-April 2026.

You must register in advance to attend. Please note that all times listed are in the Eastern Time (ET) zone. Use the link below to view the schedule and register.

Sprintax Webinars

Sprintax resources

If you need help with Sprintax, contact the Sprintax support team or find answers to your questions using the resources below:

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.