Hi,

I am from India. I was a F1 student in North Carolina till July 30 2009 (came to US in Aug 2007). I was a full time student and research assistant (w2 from my University) till April 2009. Then I worked on CPT in a firm in New Jersey from May 15 till July 30. I didn't work in Aug. I started working on OPT in North Carolina for the month of September (they did not withhold my ss and medicare taxes) and my H1B started on Oct 1.
Can you please help me in filing taxes? I have the following questions

1. What forms to file?
2. Can I have the standard deduction of 5500$?
3. While filing state taxes for both North Carolina and New Jersey do I mention the periods I was in the respective state? I am in New Jersey for 10 weeks.
4. AnY other deductions I can claim ?

Thanks
VK

If you are not married, you will file nonresident tax return Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ with Form 8843.
On the nonresident return, you will get exemption of $3650. As per tax treaty for students from India, you get standard deduction ($5700) for opt income. 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)

You will file tax returns for both the states if income exceeds the filing requirement or you have a refund.

VK:

We CAN help you file your taxes. If you want to use our service, please email me at [email protected] for a fee quote.

Assuming you are single, you will file as a non-resident alien, filing Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ plus Form 8843 one last time. You may also file Form 3903 to deduct moving expenses incurred (and NOT reimbursed) in 2009.

If you are married, let me know, as that gives an additional filing option.

You WILL be able to claim the $5,700 standard deduction.

When you mail the state returns, attach a copy of the OTHER state's tax return to the filing copy. It answers questions before they can be asked.