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Foreign Nationals FAQ

Q: What is Sprintax?

A: Sprintax Calculus is a tool to ensure that International Faculty, Staff, and Students remain compliant with IRS regulations. The system will aid individuals in determining their residency status and tax treaty benefit entitlements.

Q: Why Sprintax?

A: Partnering with Sprintax allows International Faculty, Staff, and Students the peace of mind that comes with being assure that they are taxed correctly and that the right amounts are reported to the IRS. Sprintax has a dedicated staff of international tax professionals available 24/7 to answer your questions via email, telephone, or chat. Additionally, when the tax deadlines roll around, Sprintax will be available to help all non-residents file fully compliant tax returns.

Q: Who do I contact with questions?

A: University of Rochester Payroll is always here to help. If you are interested in registering for a Sprintax account to determine your tax treaty eligibility, simply email us at FNpayroll@ur.rochester.edu and we will send you an activation link via email.

Q: Once I am registered, how do I access my Sprintax profile/record?

A: Once you have been invited by University of Rochester and have registered, you can access your Sprintax profile at: https://tds.sprintax.com/uni/login/

Q: Are other resources available if I need help?

A: Sprintax Online Chat System- If you have questions at any time while using Sprintax, take advantage of their 24/7 live chat function for online assistance with a tax professional.

Email Sprintax- Once you’ve registered, you may direct questions to Sprintax by email at hello@sprintax.com.

Q: Do I need to do anything if my visa status changes?

A: Yes, you need to update your status within Sprintax and submit a new tax summary along with any required paperwork to the Payroll Office.  Please send an e-mail to the Payroll Office at FNpayroll@ur.rochester.edu for any questions or assistance needed.

Q: I am leaving the university what should I do?

A:  Notify ISO, the Sprintax payroll box at FNpayroll@ur.rochester.edu and update your Sprintax record with current mailing addresses.

Q: What is treaty renewal?

A: Each calendar year a new set of tax forms are required for the upcoming calendar year.  Some renewals are yearly, some are every 3 years.  You will receive notification via email if you are required to complete renewal paperwork.

HRMS:

Q: How do I add/change my address?

A:

  • Students/Employment: Update in UR Student, along with updating your Sprintax record.
  • Faculty/Staff/Grad Student, Non-Resident: Send an e-mail to the Payroll Office at FNpayroll@ur.rochester.edu along with updating your Sprintax record.
  • Faculty/Staff/Grad Student, Resident: Update in HRMS self Service.

Q: Why can’t I enter my direct deposit in HRMS?

A:  A social security number is required to be able enter a direct deposit. Please send an email to FNpayroll@ur.rochester.edu  for instruction on how to set up direct deposit without a social security number.

Q: How do I view my HRMS record after I leave?

A: Please make sure you have signed up for duo authenticity for HRMS so you can get any tax forms from HRMS after you leave the University – you will have up to 18 months to enter HRMS after you leave, https://tech.rochester.edu/services/two-factor-authentication/.

Immigration Status/Documents:

Q: Where do I get my I-94?

A: The I-94 document can be accessed and printed at www.cbp.gov/I-94.

Q:  I have extended or shortened my stay, what should I do? 

A:  Please update your Sprintax  record with their new expiration date.

Paychecks:

Q: Can I be paid without a Social Security Number (SSN)?

A: Yes, but as soon as you receive your SSN number, please take your card to ISO or the Registrar’s office.  Please update your Sprintax record to see if an exemption is applicable to you now that you have a social security number.

Q:  I have a Non-Service Scholarship/Fellowship, will taxes be deducted from my checks? 

A:  If you are from a country that does not have a Tax Treaty with the US the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires 14% be deducted in federal tax.