Sprintax or Turbotax

[prashantiyo]

Hi,

I cam to US in 2022 August in a F1 visa (student visa) and was in this visa until October 1, 2024. I am in H1b visa at the moment since October 1, 2024. Do i file my 2024 tax form using turbotax or sprintax. How do I calculate my substantial presence test, and can I file my 2025 tax form next year using turbotax?

thanks

[SabrinaD2]

• Filing Your 2024 Tax Form: Since you were on a F1 visa until October 1, 2024, and then switched to an H1B visa, you will likely need to file two separate returns as a dual-status alien for 2024. You will likely need to use Sprintax and TurboTax to file your 2024 tax returns to handle the two separate returns, (a detailed TurboTax Help Guide to walk you through the dual-filing process can be found here).
• Key points include:
  • For the part of the year you were on an F1 visa, you are considered a nonresident alien, and for the part of the year on an H1B visa, you are considered a resident alien if you meet the Substantial Presence Test
  • As a dual-status taxpayer, you generally need to file two tax returns for the year—one return for the portion of the year when you were considered a nonresident, and another return for the portion of the year when you were considered a resident. 
• Calculating the Substantial Presence Test: To determine if you meet the Substantial Presence Test for 2024 (sample calculation at bottom*):
  • Count all the days you were present in the US in 2024.
  • Add one-third of the days you were present in 2023.
  • Add one-sixth of the days you were present in 2022.
  • If the total is 183 days or more, you meet the Substantial Presence Test and are considered a resident alien for tax purposes
  • You can use this Substantial Presence Test calculator to help with the calculations
• Filing Your 2025 Tax Form: For 2025, if you meet the Substantial Presence Test, you can file as a resident alien using TurboTax. This means you will file Form 1040 and report your worldwide income

For more detailed guidance, you can refer to these resources:

• Taxation of alien individuals by immigration status – H-1b on IRS
• Substantial Presence Test

Substantial Presence Sample Calculation

Days Present:

• Days in 2024: 150 days (June 1 to December 31)
• Days in 2023: 180 days
• Days in 2022: 180 days

Calculation:

• 2024: 150 days
• 2023: 60 days (one-third of 180 days)
• 2022: 30 days (one-sixth of 180 days)

Total: 150 + 60 + 30 = 240 days

Since the total is more than 183 days in this sample, you would meet the Substantial Presence Test for 2024.

[Edited 03/15/2025|6:52 p, PST] @prashantiyo