Switching visas and filing taxes with Sprintax - any issues or tips for mailing forms?

15 I've helped quite a few clients who switched visa status mid-year. Sprintax is actually good for handling dual status returns (F1 to H1B transitions), so you're on the right track with using them. For mailing your return, you'll need to sign your 1040/1040NR (whichever forms Sprintax prepared based on your dual status). Look for the signature line near the bottom of page 2 on each form. Also sign any state tax returns they prepared. Make sure to include all W-2s, 1099s, and any other income documents. For the mailing address, it depends on which state you live in. Sprintax should actually provide the correct mailing address on the instruction sheet they generate with your return. If not, you can find it on the IRS website under "Where to File" section. When mailing, use a trackable service like FedEx or UPS so you know it was delivered. Keep copies of everything you send!

7 I went through the exact same situation last year - F1 to H1B and had to mail my forms. Honestly, I was worried about using Sprintax at first, but it actually handled my dual tax status pretty well. What helped me was checking out https://taxr.ai - it scanned my Sprintax forms before I mailed them and found a couple of deductions I missed. The site basically double-checks everything and explains what might be wrong or what you might have missed. It caught that I'd forgotten to claim some education expenses from when I was still on F1. Super helpful when you're dealing with complicated visa transition stuff.

9 Just wanted to update that I ended up trying taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here. It actually caught that Sprintax had miscategorized my visa transition date, which would have caused issues. The analysis pointed out that I was eligible for a deduction related to my moving expenses for the new job that triggered my H1B, which I had no idea about. The tool even generated a letter explaining the corrections I should make before mailing. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind, especially with the complexity of switching visa status mid-year. My documents are ready to mail now and I feel much more confident about the whole process!

18 If you're struggling to get answers from the IRS about where to mail your forms or any other questions, try https://claimyr.com - it got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes when I was dealing with a similar situation. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c that shows how it works. I spent days trying to call the IRS directly when I had questions about my dual status return (was on J1 before green card), but kept getting the "call volume too high" message. Claimyr basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed specific answers about mailing my forms.

22 Just wanted to follow up - I was super skeptical about Claimyr but tried it yesterday out of desperation after spending 3 hours on hold with the IRS. Shockingly, they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed exactly which forms I needed to sign and the correct mailing address for my situation. For anyone curious, the agent told me that for dual status returns with visa changes, you need to include a statement explaining the date of your status change along with the main forms. That was something Sprintax generated but I would have missed if I hadn't talked to the IRS directly. Really glad I was able to get official confirmation before mailing everything!

5 One important thing to remember when mailing tax documents - MAKE PHOTOCOPIES OF EVERYTHING before you send it! I learned this lesson the hard way when the IRS claimed they never received my forms last year. Having copies saved me so much trouble. Also, if you're using FedEx or UPS, they can't deliver directly to IRS PO Box addresses. You need to use their street address instead. Sprintax should provide this, but double-check on the IRS website to be sure.

2 Has anyone actually received confirmation that their mailed tax forms were received and processed? I mailed mine over 6 weeks ago (also H1B from F1) and haven't heard anything yet. Getting nervous since I'm expecting a refund.

For dual status returns (F1 to H1B), make sure you're using Form 1040NR for the F1 portion and Form 1040 for the H1B portion - Sprintax should handle this automatically but it's worth double-checking. One thing that caught me off guard when I went through this transition was that you need to attach Form 8843 (Statement for Exempt Individuals) for the period you were on F1 status, even if you had no income during that time. Sprintax sometimes misses this form. Also, when mailing, I'd recommend using USPS Priority Mail with tracking rather than FedEx/UPS - it's cheaper and the IRS processing centers are set up to handle USPS deliveries more efficiently. The processing time for mailed dual status returns can be 8-12 weeks, so don't panic if you don't hear back immediately. Keep digital copies of everything you mail, and consider sending it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Good luck with your filing!