Hi,

Here is my detail trip to USA and Paid the Tax.

1. I have entered USA on H1B visa on 24-JAN-2007 and back to India by 31-MAY-2007.
2. Again I have entered USA on H1B visa on 12-OCT-2007 and Back to India by 15-FEB-2008
3. During above period, I have paid Federal Tax, Social Security tax and Medical tax.
4. I have filled tax return on jan 2008 for 2007 as individual.
5. Again I have come to USA on 30-JUN-2008 on H1B with my wife(h1b) and my son(h4) and have paid Federal Tax, Social Security tax and Medical tax till today.
6. My total Gross income is $47500.00, Federal tax dedcuted $3950, Social Security Tax deducted $2950 and Medical tax dedcucted around $700.

Here My questions are :
1. Can we fill tax return jointly as Residental Allin for 2008?
2. Are we eligible for Standard dedcution, Exmptions and Child Tax Credit($1000) for 2008?
3. Are we eligible for any other tax benifit for 2008

Regards
--Sreedhara

You have completed SPT in 2008, so you can file joint return as residents. You will get standard deduction of $10,900 and exemptions for both of you and the kids.

You must both declare your worldwide income for 2008. If you have any foreign income, and on that income you paid taxes in the foreign country, then you can claim foreign tax credit. Read about H1-B tax filing: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/08/us-visas.html)

You WILL also be eligible for the Child Tax Credit for 2008.