Sprintax

The Office of International Services provides members of the UIC international community with discounted access to Sprintax as an option for meeting the tax filing responsibilities required of visa holders in the U.S. With a Sprintax account, you can access an expansive online tax education library, receive help filling out tax forms, and file your federal tax return for free and your state return (if needed) for an additional cost.

 

Residency for tax purposes Heading link

Sprintax is comprehensive, online tax preparation software that specializes in tax filings for individuals considered non-residents for tax purposes in the U.S. If you have been in the U.S. long enough to meet the substantial presence test and be considered a resident for tax purposes, you will not be able to use Sprintax to file your U.S. tax return.

If you are unsure about your residency for tax purposes, create a Sprintax account (or log into your existing account) and the software will walk you through the substantial presence test. If you are deemed a resident for tax purposes, Sprintax will suggest an alternate tax filing software appropriate for residents. However, know that you can use any tax preparation software appropriate for residents or hire a tax professional.

How to use Sprintax Heading link

  • Click below to access the Sprintax site. This is a unique University of Illinois Chicago site that you must use for the discount code to work. Do not access the general Sprintax site via an internet search. Note that the Sprintax website has security measures in place that block multiple log-in attempts from the same IP address in a short period of time. If you reach a screen that says, “Sorry, you have been blocked,” wait one hour before clicking the link again.
  • Create a new Sprintax account or log into your existing account. Complete the “Create Account” fields and then click “Sign Up.” If you already have a Sprintax account from a previous tax year, do not create a new account. Access your existing account by clicking “Sign In.”
  • Complete the online questionnaire. Once you are in the Sprintax system, you will be asked a series of questions that will guide you through the process of filling out your tax forms. You will also receive instructions on how to print, sign, and mail your tax forms to the appropriate tax department or e-file if eligible.
  • Enter the OIS discount code UILCH2000F24 in the “review your order” section. Please note that this code can only be used once and applies to your federal return only.

Please note, by creating an account with Sprintax, you are leaving a University of Illinois Chicago website and going to a third-party site. That site may have a different privacy policy and security that is different from this University of Illinois Chicago website. The University of Illinois Chicago is not responsible for the products, services, and content on the third-party website. Please be advised that Sprintax is being provided as a service to you. The Office of International Services is not permitted to provide tax-preparation advice and cannot be held responsible for the outcome of your tax return.

Necessary documents and information Heading link

Before you sit down and use Sprintax to file your tax return, gather the following documents and information.

  • Passport
  • U.S. entry and exit dates for current and all previous visits. If needed, visit the U.S. Customs & Border Protection I-94 website to view a history of your arrivals and departures.
  • Immigration status information. I-20 for F-1 visa holders and DS-2019 for J-1 visa holders.
  • All tax forms you’ve received. Including Forms W-2, 1042-S, and/or 1099, etc. If you were employed by the University of Illinois System or otherwise expect to receive a tax form from UIC, you can access those here.
  • Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, Sprintax can still help you.

Get help Heading link

If you have any problems accessing Sprintax, please contact the Office of International Services at ois@uic.edu.

If you have questions about how to use the Sprintax software or questions related to your tax return, please contact Sprintax directly via their online chat system or by email at hello@sprintax.com. You might even find an answer to your question on the Sprintax FAQs page.