@biyao73 , while you can follow either path . While the former path will take an effort ( to make sure that you are at least sufficiently withheld), the latter requires no effort, safe ( little chance of under-withheld) and easy. Secondly, in either path you still have to fill out the schedule-OI.
Perhaps I did not clarify that even if you pass SPT but still on F-1 ( or similar student/trainee visa), you can still retain the non-resident tax status. This implies that you still file 1040-NR,use Schedule-OI but include form 8840 ( closer connection exception statement).
Please see this link --> https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/the-closer-connection-exception-to-the-subst....
Note that as this underlines, the onus is on the student/requester to prove that he/she should be considered non-resident.
A second point to note there is that because TurboTax does not support form 1040-NR ( and its related schedules ), you will have to use other avenues to help prepare the return ( e.g. your school's international student service, SprinTax, Tax professional familiar with international filing, etc. etc. ). We can, however, help you in this forum with no problem.
Does all this make sense ? What more can I do for you ?
pk
