Hi,

I was on F1-OPT till 30th Dec 2012 (Columbia University) and changed to H1B after that. For the whole year, I was working in a company based in Manhattan. Being an Indian student, I know I can claim standard deduction $5,950 for year 2012. When I used Galcier Prep software to prepare my tax retruns( 1040NR-EZ), it did not generate form 8843 and also included deduction equivalent only to my state and local taxes. (which is lower than the standard deduction $5.950)

Can I claim standard deduction of $5,950 for year 2012 and file form 8843 ? If I have to file form 8843, what should I write in part III for following question ?
"Enter the name, address, and telephone number of the academic institution you attended during 2012 ▶"

I didn't attend Columbia during 2012 but I was on F1-OPT till 30th Sept 2012 issued by Columbia.

Thanks in advance.

If you are from India, you can claim the $5,950 standard deduction under Article 21(2) of the U.S.-India Tax Treaty.

You are still considered to be a student when on OPT, so put your school info on the Firm 8843.

Correction in my first sentence. I was on F1-OPT till 30th Sept 2012 and changed to H1B on Oct 1.

Jan 1 2012 - Sep 30 2012 F1-OPT
Oct 1 2012 - Dec 31 2012 H1-B

I'm planning to file 1040NR-EZ with form 8843. Am I still eligible to claim standard deduction of $5950 on line 11 ? Thanks in advance.

Yes, you are still eligible for the standard deduction of $5,950.