Hello everyone,

I've been in the US in F1 status (originally from Italy) since 2004 and started working for a company in NYC in June 2008 using my 1 year OPT. My H1b was approved last April '09 and 'kicked in' in October 2009.

Last year I consulted a local H&R Block branch to file my taxes and was ultimately charged $400 for their services. This year, I'm definitely looking for an alternative since my situation has been very straightforward and fairly simple. Definitely feel like I was ripped off. Either do them myself or find a way-cheaper tax preparation company or local person in NYC.

Here's my deal:

2004 - Spent 189 days in F1 status in California

2005 - Spent 365 days in F1 status in California - Filed 1040NR-EZ and 8843

2006 - Spent 227 days in F1 status in California and the rest of the year in Massachusetts (still in F1) - Filed 1040NR-EZ and 8843

2007 - Spent 200 days in F1 status in Massachusetts then studied abroad in Japan - Filed 1040NR-EZ and 8843

2008 - Spent 106 days in Massachusetts in F1 status than the rest of the year in NYC in OPT. In 2009 I filed 1040NR + Schedule A and C (for some freelancing while on OPT) + Massachusetts part time non resident (Form 1 - NR/PY) + New York part time non resident (IT 203).

2009 - Spent the whole year in New York (OPT until October than H1b) and received reimburse from my company for paid Medicare and Social Security from 2008. I did zero freelancing so all I need to declare is what is on my one single W2 + one single freelance gig I did in Italy. I mention this because this is my fifth year in the US, so I assume I need to declare income from my home country as well. Beside that, I have small medical expenses to declare. That's about it.

What forms should I file this year?

Thanks in advance!

D

In 2009, you will file resident tax return Form 1040. You will file NY state tax return.
On H1-B, you must pay FICA taxes and income taxes.
For professional help, you can contact AtlantaTaxExpert [email protected]

Do I have to file form 8843 along with my 1040 considering that I was in OPT until October 2009 when my H1b was approved?

No as on F-1 you were exempt for 5 years --- 2004 to 2008. You were required to pay FICA taxes on OPT income.