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airstar
Mar 10, 2009, 02:11 PM
Hi,

I came to USA since 2006 by using F1 visa, and stayed whole year in USA in 2008 with F1/OPT.

1. Can I report resident taxes since I pass substantial presence test? I asked some accountants, they said I can file resident tax for more deductible choices, is this correct?
2. Does moving expenses deductible if I was studying in Arizona and moved to CA due to jobs? If so, what kind of documents I should prepare for?

Thanks for your help.

MukatA
Mar 10, 2009, 10:44 PM
On F1/OPT you are exempt from residency for 5-years. You must file non-resident tax return Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843. Your income is not subject to FICA taxes but you must pay federal and state income taxes.
Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Tax Filing Requirements for Non-Residents (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/03/us-tax-filing-requirements-for-non.html)

IntlTax
Mar 11, 2009, 05:44 AM
Agree with MukatA. You cannot file as a resident if you were still F1/OPT as of the end of 2008.

airstar
Mar 12, 2009, 09:18 AM
Thanks for your answer. So I think I will file 1040NR by myself. Regarding to moving expenses, can I file moving expense for my first job ? Since under the distance work sheet, I don't have number of "number of miles from your old home to old workplace." Please advice,

Thanks for your kindly help!

MukatA
Mar 12, 2009, 10:09 AM
Yes, you may be eligible to claim moving expenses to move from Arizona to CA. read: Your U.S. Tax Return: Moving Expenses (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/02/moving-expenses.html)

IntlTax
Mar 12, 2009, 12:39 PM
See IRS publication 521 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p521.pdf) for moving expense deduction.