Hi,

For my federal income tax return, I am taking the first year choice of residency. (I came to USA on 10 Oct 2010) Hence I will be filing my returns on 3 July 2011 as a resident alien and file form 1040.

For New jersey returns, I would like to know whether I should file as part year resident or non-resident?

Secondly my US income (I live and work in NJ) for 2010 was USD 15979. This figure is reported in W2 box 1.

Does it mean my taxable income for NJ will be zero as it is below $20000/-

Thanks,
Pradeep

Residency for the state income tax is based on how long you have been physically living in the state.

For this reason, you are a part-year resident of New Jersey and should report ONLY the income earned while living and working in the state.