Went from F1 to H1b on July1st 2013. I do not meet the substantial presence test as I arrived in the US in Aug 2010 on an F-1 and have filed as a non-resident for 2010, 2011 and 2012.

In 2013, I was outside the country for 11 days (6 days in F1 status at the beginning of the year and 5 days in H1b status at the end of the year.)

What status should I claim on the tax paperwork? F1 or H1?

I read about the dual status filing and that I can file for half year as non resident and the other half as resident. Is this better to do? Or can I file for the whole year as non-resident and just enter F-1 as the visa status? In this case can I claim the standard deduction for the whole year?

Please help. Extremely confused on how to file.

Thanks

Do NOT file dual-status, as there is almost NEVER any tax advantage.

If you are married, file a JOINT return and file as a resident.

If you are single, file as a non-resident alien. You will get the same refund as a dual-status and you do NOT have to wait to file.

If you need professional help, email me at the email address in my profile.