I ENTERED on F-1 VISA IN AUG 2006,
STARTED OPT IN DEC 2007 - VALID TILL DEC 08
HAVE AN APPROVED H-1 STARTING/VALID FROM OCTOBER 1ST 2008

STARTED WORKING FROM AUGUST 08, H-1 MIGHT START OCTOBER
WHAT WILL BE MY TAX RESIDENCY STATUS?

2 months work on OPT THEN ON H-1 B
AM I SUBJECT TO SS TAXES AND MEDICAID TAXES

AM I ELIGIBLE TO RECIVE THE 5750 INDIA TAX TREATY EXEMPTION I RECIVED AS A STUDENT.

ANY LINKS TO A FREE TAX CALCULATOR ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED.

ALSO IS PER-DIEM TAXABLE?

THANKS A TON IN ADVANCE FOR THE EXPERT ANSWERS

You will file as a non-resident alien for 2008.

You become liable for Social Security and Medicare taxes thed day your H-1B visa becomes effective.

You SHOULD be able to claim the standard deduction under the U.S.-India Tax Treaty.

The website below has a tax calculator:

2008 Online Non Resident Tax Software - File Form 1040NR-EZ, Form 8843, Form 843, Form W-7, Form 1040NR, International Student Taxes, Non Resident Taxation F1,J1,H1B Visa Taxes, Where to File, Instructions, Mailing Address, Income Tax Forms (http://www.visataxes.com/form1040nrez_home.php)

Perdiem CAN be taxable. It depends on how the per diem is paid and accounted for on the employer's books.