If you were physically in the US in J status you're obligated to send at least one form, Form 8843, to the US tax agency IRS (Internal Revenue Service), even if you had no income.
If a nonresident J participant earns any US income, they will need to file a federal tax return with the IRS by law. Failure to file a Federal tax return will breach IRS regulations and may inhibit participants from returning to the US on any future visas. Depending on the individual circumstances, you may also need to file a state tax return(s).
Generally, most J-1 AuPairs are considered non-residents for tax purposes. The above J visas are automatically considered non-residents for 2 out of the last 6 calendar years in the US. If you’ve been in the US for longer than 2 years for the last 6 years period, the Substantial Presence Test will determine your tax residency. Sprintax will confirm your tax residency for you.
Sprintax is a resource available for nonresidents that provides online Federal and State tax preparation software for non-residents in the US.
After you login to Sprintax, it will ask you a series of questions about the time you have spent in the United States and in which immigration status, looking back over a period of years. Sprintax will then determine your tax status. If it determines that you are a "nonresident alien" (NRA) for federal tax purposes, you can continue to use it to respond to a series of guided questions. Sprintax will complete and generate the forms you need to send to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). If it determines you are a resident alien for federal tax purposes, you won't be able to continue using the software.
Gather Documents
Create Sprintax Account
Follow their Instructions
Complete State Tax Return
(if required)
Mail forms to IRS
You also have access to the Sprintax YouTube account where there are a number of educational videos on non-resident taxes to provide further clarity on the subject of using Sprintax and non-resident tax. There is also a Sprintax Blog which go through tax related topics and can be of use to you. You can also access the recording of a Sprintax webinar covering nonresident tax for J-1 participants here Sprintax Webinar – An Introduction to Nonresident Tax
DISCLAIMER: Our institution are NOT permitted to assist nonresidents with any IRS tax form preparation or tax related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office.