I have been in US from July 2003 to present. I was on F1 from Jul 2003 to Oct 2007 and on OPT from Oct 2007 - Sep 2008. On Oct 08, my H1B status kicked in and my employer is not detecting FICA taxes. I filed my taxes as F1 until 2007 with standard deductions. I would like to know the following:
1. Do I need to pay SSN & medicare for the entire 2008 or just for my H1B status period? If so what should I do to make the necessary changes?
2. What should I do for my 2008 tax returns? How do I get the tax benefits for being on OPT?
Please kindly let me know the required forms for filing 2008 tax returns.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
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