Hi, my name is Yvonne and living in the U.S. since 2007. I have a L 1 visa, working for a German company and living in NYC/ Manhattan since 11/2007.
I heard about special tax deductions for foreigners for the first (2/3 ?) years while living in Manhattan. Is this true? If yes, what deductions are those? Do you have a web-link which refer to? Many thanks, Yvonne

No, L1 is work visa. You must pay FICA taxes and income taxes. For 2008, you will file resident tax return--at par with U.S. citizens and residents.

I also am not familiar with any special rule for an L-1 visa holder.