rab375
Feb 27, 2009, 06:57 PM
Hello!
I was on an H-1B visa (Canadian citizen) for over 5 years until I went back to school in 2006 and went on an F-1 visa. I had previously always filed a 1040. Now that I have graduated and am working again (since 09/2008), I am currently under F-1/OPT status, and my employer has not been withholding FICA/Medicare taxes.
I am a new homeowner and would like to itemize my deductions (mortgage interest, student loans, property taxes, etc.).
1) What tax return should I be filing under my current status? 1040 or 1040NR?
2) If I were to file a 1040NR, would I not be eligible to itemize my deductions?
3) Do I qualify for the FICA/Medicare exemption? If not, at what point do I pay those taxes to the IRS and would there be any associated penalty/interest?
4) Would it be incorrect (i.e. red flag for the IRS) to file a 1040 and show no withholdings for FICA/Medicare?
Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated!
I was on an H-1B visa (Canadian citizen) for over 5 years until I went back to school in 2006 and went on an F-1 visa. I had previously always filed a 1040. Now that I have graduated and am working again (since 09/2008), I am currently under F-1/OPT status, and my employer has not been withholding FICA/Medicare taxes.
I am a new homeowner and would like to itemize my deductions (mortgage interest, student loans, property taxes, etc.).
1) What tax return should I be filing under my current status? 1040 or 1040NR?
2) If I were to file a 1040NR, would I not be eligible to itemize my deductions?
3) Do I qualify for the FICA/Medicare exemption? If not, at what point do I pay those taxes to the IRS and would there be any associated penalty/interest?
4) Would it be incorrect (i.e. red flag for the IRS) to file a 1040 and show no withholdings for FICA/Medicare?
Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated!