How to E-File your US nonresident federal tax return with Sprintax

Sprintax
10 Mar 202205:59
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRAnna from Sprintax introduces the live federal e-filing feature on the Sprintax tax return system. The video guides users through the e-filing process, starting with completing the Sprintax questionnaire, proceeding to the order breakdown and payment, and finally submitting the 2021 U.S. tax return if eligible. Users must confirm they have not previously e-filed their 2021 return before proceeding. Sprintax outlines eligibility criteria and provides alternative options for those who cannot e-file, such as mailing the return. The e-filing process requires electronic signature verification, including providing previous year's tax information or a five-digit PIN. First-time filers enter zero for adjusted gross income, and those with an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) use it for added security. After confirming details and agreeing to consent statements, users receive a one-time password for e-filing. The IRS will confirm acceptance within 3-5 business days, and users can check their status online. The process applies to federal taxes only, with state taxes requiring separate submission.

Takeaways
  • πŸ“ Sprintax has launched federal e-filing on their tax return system, allowing users to e-file their 2021 U.S. federal tax return.
  • πŸ’» To use e-filing, users must complete a questionnaire, go through the order breakdown and payment stage, and confirm they haven't e-filed their 2021 return before.
  • πŸ“¬ For those who prefer not to e-file, the option to download, print, sign, and mail the federal tax return to the IRS is still available.
  • 🚫 Certain individuals are ineligible to e-file, and these circumstances are detailed on the Sprintax e-filing blog.
  • πŸ”’ E-file authentication requires electronic signing of the tax return using personal information to verify identity and secure data.
  • πŸ”’ Users must provide their prior year's adjusted gross income (AGI) or a 5-digit PIN from the previous year's e-filed return for authentication.
  • πŸ†• First-time filers should input zero for their prior year AGI, and those who filed an amended return should use the originally filed AGI.
  • πŸ”“ A new 5-digit PIN is required to electronically sign the current year's return, which should be recorded and kept safe as it serves as a signature.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is needed for those who opted for protection against tax-related identity theft or are victims of identity theft.
  • βœ… Users must review the entered information, agree to consent statements, and confirm the accuracy of Social Security numbers on the return.
  • πŸ“§ A one-time password will be sent to the user's email to proceed with e-filing, and the IRS will confirm acceptance within 3-5 business days.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is the introduction of the Sprintax federal e-filing process, which allows users to electronically file their U.S. federal tax returns.

  • What are the steps to start the e-filing process on Sprintax?

    -To start the e-filing process, one must complete the Sprintax questionnaire, proceed through the order breakdown and payment stage, and then confirm eligibility for e-filing.

  • Is it necessary to have e-filed before to use Sprintax's e-filing process?

    -No, but users must confirm that they have not e-filed their 2021 federal tax return before using the process.

  • What is the alternative method for filing federal taxes if e-filing is not an option?

    -If e-filing is not an option, users can download, print, sign, and mail their federal tax return to the IRS.

  • What are the eligibility criteria for e-filing a federal tax return?

    -Certain individuals may not be eligible to e-file, and these criteria are detailed in the Sprintax e-filing blog. If ineligible, one can still print, sign, and mail the tax return.

  • How does one authenticate for e-filing on Sprintax?

    -Authentication is done by electronically signing the tax return with information requested on the screen, such as prior year adjusted gross income or a self-selected five-digit PIN.

  • What should a first-time filer enter for their prior year adjusted gross income?

    -A first-time filer should enter zero for their prior year adjusted gross income.

  • What is the purpose of an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?

    -An IP PIN is a six-digit number provided by the IRS to prevent tax-related identity theft by ensuring that a tax return is being filed by the genuine taxpayer.

  • What is required after entering the one-time password during the e-filing process?

    -After entering the one-time password, the federal tax return is transmitted to the IRS, and the taxpayer will be notified via email if it was successfully accepted.

  • How long does it typically take for the IRS to accept an e-filed tax return?

    -The IRS typically informs the taxpayer if their tax return was successfully accepted within three to five business days.

  • What should be done with a state tax return after completing the federal e-filing process?

    -The state tax return should be printed out, signed, and mailed to the relevant tax authorities, following the instructions provided in the file.

  • How can users check the status of their e-filed federal tax return?

    -Users can check the status of their e-filed federal tax return by logging into their Sprintax account or waiting for an email notification from Sprintax with information from the IRS.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“ Introduction to Sprintax Federal E-filing

Anna from Sprintax introduces the new federal e-filing feature on the Sprintax tax return system. She guides viewers through the e-filing process, explaining the prerequisites such as completing the Sprintax questionnaire, order breakdown, and payment. Eligibility for e-filing is discussed, with instructions to confirm that the viewer has not previously e-filed their 2021 federal tax return. Options for mailing the tax return are also provided. Certain individuals may not be eligible for e-filing, and details on these circumstances can be found in the Sprintax e-filing blog. The process continues with e-file authentication, requiring electronic signature and identity verification using information from the previous year's tax return or a self-selected five-digit PIN. First-time filers and those with amended returns are given specific instructions. The importance of providing accurate information to avoid e-file submission rejection is emphasized.

05:00
πŸ”’ E-file Authentication and Identity Protection

The process of e-filing a tax return involves providing a one-time password and entering a unique five-digit number to electronically sign the current year's federal tax return. This PIN must be remembered and kept secure as it serves as the signer's digital signature. An identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is also mentioned, which is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to prevent fraudulent tax filings using one's social security number. If a taxpayer has received an IP PIN for the 2021 tax return, they are instructed to enter it. Before proceeding, the filer must read and agree to consent statements and verify the accuracy of social security numbers on the return. The final step involves signing the consent disclosure with a date of birth and proceeding to the next step, where a one-time password is sent to the filer's email. After submission, the IRS will inform Sprintax if the tax return was successfully accepted, and the filer will be notified via email. It is noted that this process applies only to the federal tax return, and state tax returns must be handled separately according to provided instructions.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Sprintax
Sprintax is a company that provides tax filing services. In the context of the video, it is the platform through which the federal e-filing process is being discussed. It is central to the video's theme as it is the service that enables users to electronically file their tax returns.
πŸ’‘E-filing
E-filing refers to the electronic submission of tax returns. It is a key concept in the video as it outlines the process by which taxpayers can file their federal tax returns online using the Sprintax system. The script emphasizes the convenience and efficiency of e-filing over traditional paper methods.
πŸ’‘Federal Tax Return
A federal tax return is the document that individuals and businesses file with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to report income and calculate taxes owed for a given tax year. In the video, it is the primary subject of the e-filing process, with details provided on how to submit it electronically or by mail.
πŸ’‘Questionnaire
In the context of the video, a questionnaire is a set of questions that must be completed as part of the Sprintax tax return system. It is a crucial step in the e-filing process, as it gathers necessary information from the taxpayer to prepare their tax return.
πŸ’‘Order Breakdown and Payment
This refers to the stage in the process where the taxpayer reviews the details of the tax return service, including any costs associated with using Sprintax. It is an important step as it confirms the taxpayer's intention to proceed with the e-filing and covers the financial aspect before submission.
πŸ’‘Eligibility
Eligibility in this context pertains to the qualifications a taxpayer must meet to use the Sprintax e-filing service. The video mentions that not all individuals can e-file, and those who cannot are still able to print, sign, and mail their tax returns to the IRS. This concept is important as it sets the criteria for using the service.
πŸ’‘E-file Authentication
E-file authentication is the process of securely identifying the taxpayer and verifying their data before the tax return can be electronically filed. It involves providing personal information and an electronic signature, which is a key step in ensuring the security and legitimacy of the e-filed tax return.
πŸ’‘Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
AGI is a figure on a tax return that is used to compute a taxpayer's tax liability. It is mentioned in the script as a piece of information required for e-file authentication, either from the previous year's tax return or as a declaration for first-time filers. AGI is a fundamental concept in tax filing as it affects the tax calculations.
πŸ’‘Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
An IP PIN is a unique six-digit number assigned by the IRS to certain taxpayers to prevent identity theft and fraudulent tax returns. The video explains that if a taxpayer has an IP PIN, it must be entered during the e-filing process to verify their identity, highlighting its importance in maintaining the security of the tax filing system.
πŸ’‘Consent Statements
Consent statements are legal declarations that taxpayers must agree to when filing their tax returns. In the video, it is mentioned that the taxpayer must read and confirm their agreement with these statements, which typically include affirming the accuracy of the information provided and authorizing the transmission of the tax return.
πŸ’‘One-Time Password (OTP)
An OTP is a temporary password sent to a taxpayer's email address for secure authentication purposes. In the context of the video, the taxpayer is required to enter the OTP to proceed with the e-filing process, adding an extra layer of security to the submission of the tax return.
πŸ’‘State Tax Return
A state tax return is the document filed with a state's tax agency to report income and calculate state taxes owed. The video reminds taxpayers that while federal tax returns can be e-filed through Sprintax, state tax returns may need to be printed, signed, and mailed according to the specific instructions provided, indicating the difference in processes between federal and state filings.
Highlights

Sprintax has launched federal e-filing on their tax return system.

The video guide walks users through the federal e-filing process.

Users can e-file their federal tax return after completing the Sprintax questionnaire and payment.

Individuals must confirm they have not previously e-filed their 2021 federal tax return.

An option to proceed with e-filing or mail the tax return is provided.

Certain individuals may not be eligible for e-filing, which is detailed in the Sprintax blog.

E-filing authentication requires electronic signature and identity verification.

Users need to provide information from their previous year's tax return for verification.

A five-digit PIN from the previous year's e-filed return can be used for authentication.

First-time filers should input zero for their prior year's adjusted gross income.

An identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is required for those who opted for tax-related identity theft protection.

The IP PIN is a six-digit number unique to the user and provided by the IRS.

Users must acknowledge the PIN as their signature and authorize transmission of their tax return.

A one-time password sent to the user's email is required to proceed with e-filing.

After submission, the IRS will confirm acceptance within three to five business days.

Users will be notified via email and can check the status on their Sprintax account.

The submission process applies only to the federal tax return; state tax returns require separate handling.

Instructions for mailing state tax returns are provided in the file.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Sprintax US Tax Preparation STEP 7 - Π•-file your federal tax return with Sprintax

Sprintax Returns Walkthrough Video - 2021 Tax Season

Nonresident US tax overview for J-1 participants

2023 VITA Tax Webinar for international students from India filing as nonresidents

ISSO Tax Workshop for International Students & Scholars, 2022 Tax Returns

How I File Taxes in USA? Stock / Crypto Income on F1 VISA

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
E-FilingTax ReturnsSprintaxIRSSecurityElectronic SignatureAdjusted Gross IncomeIdentity TheftPINTax PreparationCompliance