Free tax preparation software available to nonresident international employees, students with Sprintax Returns

In the coming weeks and months, CU faculty, staff and students will begin receiving critical documents needed to file their annual income tax returns. For certain international employees and students, this means receiving forms W-2 and/or 1042-S from CU over the next month.

Form W-2 is issued to any employee who receives taxable wages from CU and was required to be sent out to all employees by Jan. 31. If you didn’t receive your W-2 in the mail, visit the Tax Forms webpage to learn how to obtain a copy.

It’s also important to remember that even if they did not earn U.S. income, nonresident F and J students and scholars are required to file IRS Form 8843.

Form 1042-S available electronically through Sprintax Calculus

Form 1042-S is issued to resident and nonresident alien employees to report tax treaty exempt wages. Nonresident alien scholarship and stipend recipients with taxable or tax treaty exempt income will also receive Form 1042-S. Employees and students with more than one type of 1042-S reportable income should expect to receive more than one 1042-S.

Tax year 2025 1042-S forms for employees and students will be available electronically in Sprintax Calculus. Paper forms will be mailed only to individuals who have not provided consent to receive their 1042-S form electronically through Sprintax Calculus. This month, please watch for an email from CUintltax-noreply@sprintax.com with notification that 1042-S forms are available.

Employees and students who provided electronic consent but no longer have access to their campus portal or did not provide e-consent and have not received their mailed form by March 25 should visit the Tax Forms webpage and follow the Form 1042-S request instructions.

Sprintax Calculus integrates with free Sprintax Returns

This year, CU is again partnering with Sprintax to support nonresident alien employees and students in their personal tax filing obligation. The International Tax Office will offer a discount code to access Sprintax Returns online tax preparation tool free of charge.

The discount code will enable nonresident alien employees and students in F or J status to file their 2025 federal tax return and other required forms. Sprintax can also help with state tax filing. However, if you elect to file a state tax return using Sprintax, you’ll need to pay an additional fee.

In addition, Sprintax Returns integrates with Sprintax Calculus, the International Tax Office’s platform for gathering international employees’ documents, saving you time during the tax season. All international employees are required to complete a Sprintax Calculus profile during onboarding and to maintain their profile with updates as their circumstances change.

Together, Sprintax Calculus and Sprintax Returns provide a user-friendly and reliable resource to help international employees:

  • Determine resident or nonresident U.S. tax residency status and filing requirements.
  • Prepare preemployment tax documents including forms W-4, W-8BEN, W-9 and 8233 which can be signed and submitted electronically to ensure accurate withholding.
  • Prepare necessary tax return documents including forms 1040-NR and 8843 which can then be printed, signed and mailed for filing with the IRS and State Department of Revenue. (Some users may be able to file electronically, instead.)
  • Ensure all applicable tax treaties are applied.
  • Find assistance and information with an available FAQ, blog, YouTube channel and email access to Sprintax tax professionals.

To take advantage of Sprintax Returns, watch for emails from the International Tax Office that include your discount code in February and March.

Visit the International Tax website anytime throughout the year to learn more about your filing obligations.

Sprintax Open Webinar dates, times and registration links

Sprintax will host regular tax webinars throughout the spring where you can learn more about your U.S. tax filing obligations and how Sprintax can help you meet them.

January 27, 2026
Employee Services