hi,
i was on f1 from august 2001. i started working from january 2004 under OPT.I converted from f1 (OPT) to h1b in january 2005(on january 13th). i am single and from India. since i pass the substantial presence test for 2005 and also i was on f1 at the starting of the year, i thought i shoudld file a dual status return (1040 and 1040NR). But the problem is i have only one w2 form 2005 which includes both resident (f1 opt) and nonresident (h1b) income. (no separate W2 forms for non resident alien for the 12 days at the starting of the year and resident alien for the rest of the year). i am confused what wages i should show on the 1040NR if i file as a dual status?

or

should i file as a resident alien (1040) and do not claim the standard deduction of $5000?

in this case can i claim the personal exemption of $3200?

or

should i file 1040EZ as resident alien and claim $8200 deduction?

Thanks for your help

Ahmed

Ahmed:

You file as a resident alien, claiming the $5,000 standard deduction and $3,200 personal exemption.

This is really your only option.

Thanks Atlanta Tax Expert...I really appreciate the tremendous time and effort you put into answering our questions....

Ahmed

Glad to help!