To be honest, I search the site and found all excellent answers but in small bits here and there...

Let me ask you the questions in common scenario so that all can benefit from it. I am sure there will be lot of people in the same boat!

Say for example

Background:

I came to USA in July 2006 on F1 visa. Started my OPT in Aug 2008 and Changed to H1 in October 08
In August 2007 I graduated and changed my status to OPT. ( earned as student worker on F1 from Jan 2008-Aug 2008)

From August 2007 Started a full time job on OPT. Got a bonus of 10k initially . The company gave me as a salary check as a regular salary and withhold FICA & Fed W/H on BONUS AS WELL AS PAYCHECK

Taxes:

I was also supposed to be paid a bonus check of 2k as sign up. Company somehow gave me at the 3rd week of October. ( I was supposed to be paid this sign up bonus in August itself but they delayed it to October when I was on H1b )


Questions:
Which forms needed!

How to claim SSN/Medicare for f1 visa & OPT status to Sept 31 2008.

Can I claim withholding on Bonus during OPT? Also can I claim signup 2k bonus with holding as it was company who delayed it?

If I called my parents to USA from 1st July 08 to 31 Aug 08. Can I claim any expenses, tickets etc ?

I paid to my lawyers for my H1 visa.. where can I claim/ deduct.

If pay educational loan in India... any deductions?

I Paid my education tution fees in USA university.. can I claim that deduction?

My University sent me form 1042-S , tax which was held on excess scholarship exceeding tution fees? It was @ 14% federal tax widthehld Where does it fit in the picture?

Any other personal expenses I can claim?

All forms I need to file?

Your tax filing packages available and details members can reach you!

Appreciated!

Forgot to mention
I am from Texas & single and Indian by Nationality

If you are single, you will file nonresident tax return with Form 8843. Your income during F1/OPT is not subject to SS tax and Medicare tax. If employer withheld these taxes, send them an email for return of FICA taxes during OPT period. 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)

About Bonus: Which Form did you receive from you employer? W2 or 1099-misc? Did you receive two separate W2?

If pay educational loan in India... any deductions? Need more details.

For a degree student scholarship for tuition fees is not taxable income. Rest is taxable income.