H1 to F1 to H1 tax filing

abciop · #1 Feb 6, 2006, 04:44 PM

Hello Experts,

Until 2002 We (me and my wife) used to file 1040 for tax purposes.
We both had jobs and both were on H1B Status. (1040 married joint filing)

2003, and 2004 we filed 1040 for tax purposes. my wife was on H1B and I
was on F1 (Full Time Student) Status.(1040 married joint filing)

for the year 2005 I was on F1 OPT from 01/01/2005 till 09/30/2005, and
from 10/01/2005 onwards I am is on H1B.

For the part I was on F1 OPT my employer did not deduct
Social Security and Medicare from my payroll.

I consider myself as a resident and planning to file 1040 joint return. How do I take care of my FICA deductions. Or do I have any other option. Please advice.

Thanks
abciop

abciop · Feb 7, 2006, 01:39 PM

Hello again,

Does this means :

Because of my F-1 visa status, I am exempt from FICA deductions even if I was on H1B before.

Am I eligible for standard deduction, and since I live in TX (no state tax) , shall I file 1040A Married filing jointly.

TIA
abciop

abciop · Feb 9, 2006, 04:43 PM

Thanks ATE,

AS per the presense test, I qualify as residen alien, I will be filing 1040A MFJ. And becuase I was on F1 OPT last year, Am I exempt for FICA deductions.

Do I have to attach copy of my OPT card with 1040A form.

TIA
abciop

abciop · Feb 9, 2006, 09:53 PM

But, One of my friend told me that I have to attach a some kind of statement along with the return. Is that right, if yes then what kind of statement needs to be attached along with the return.

TIA
abciop

AtlantaTaxExpert · Feb 9, 2006, 10:51 PM

Abciop:

Did you provide a statement when you filed jointly with your wife in 2003 and 2004?

If so, another statement is okay, but not really needed unless your circumstances have changed dramatically. Based on your input above, your situation has not changed, as you are filing jointly with your wife who is under an H-1B visa.