Hi

I moved to USA from India in June 2009 on a inter company visa (L1). Do I need to declare the income I have earned in India during Jan - May 2009 while filing tax returns?

Thanks
Chandra

When (which date) you entered the U.S. Did you spend any time during 2007 and 2008 in the U.S. Are you married?

Thanks MuktaA for responding this fast. I moved to USA on June 7 2009. I was in USA for 20 days in 2008. Yes I am married

Yes, you can file joint return as residents. You will get standard deduction of $11,400 and exemptions ($3,650 each) for both of you.

You must both declare your worldwide income for 2009. If you have any foreign income, and on that income you paid taxes in the foreign country, then you can claim foreign tax credit (Form 1116) or you can use Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555). Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Citizen or Resident with Foreign Income (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/03/us-citizen-or-resident-with-foreign.html)

You will complete forms W7 (application for ITIN) for your spouse and children and attach with your tax return. You can also deduct moving expenses. Use form 3903. Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/08/us-visas.html)