I have a few questions about the first year choice when filing for tax in L1 visa cases. My husband and I arrive in US on Aug 16 2011 (we are living in MA & both of us work

1) I have no idea if I can file for resident status or not?
2) Do I have to declare the income from my previous country, even if I already paid tax on it?
3) We bought a lot of furniture and other belongings when we moved here... Is it eligible as a deduction?
4) What forms should I use to fill in?

1) If you file jointly and sign a statement that you CHOOSE to be treated as resident aliens for ALL of 2011, you can file as residents. However, this requires that you claim ALL world-wide income earned in 2011.

2) You avoid double taxatioin by filing with the joint return Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit) to claim a credit for foreign taxes paid.

3) No.

4) You will file Form 1040 and probably Form 1116, plus the Massachusetts state tax return.

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