Dual status with NJ and CA State tax returns
Hi,
I have searched this website and found few answers to my queries. However, I still am left with the following queries and will highly appreciate if someone can help me clear them out.
My situation is :
I am an Indian citizen, have come to US for the very first time on 7th Oct 2007 with an H1 visa.
I was on per diem for the whole of Oct 07 and was then given salary from next month onwards.
I was in NJ when my first payroll started from 1st Nov 2007 till 14th Dec 2007 .
From 15th Dec 2007 till date I am getting my payroll in CA.
My total income for 2007 is not more than $10000
I am married with my wife & kid (both are on H4 with ITIN not generated) joined me on 15th Dec 2007 in CA.
Questions:
1. Am I qualified to file returns with Dual status married filing jointly, as I need to claim my wife and kid as dependents?
2. Or is it sensible to file jointly as resident aliens with claiming my India income which is approximately around $9500 after tax?
3. If I am qualified as dual status, by when should I file my returns ?
4. I have applied for an federal extension in CA. Do I need to separately file an extension for state returns in NJ ?
5. For state returns, do I need to fill in as Non Resident or Resident forms?
Any help will be great, Thanks.
Mamaji