AtlantaTaxExpert and other experts, please help!

I am an Indian national. I graduated from Virginia Tech in December 2005 and my OPT started soon after that (although on my employment authorization card, the start date is mentioned as 1/10/06).

I left the country after my graduation and re-entered in the second week of March 2006. I started working in the following week under OPT status. My visa application was filed in April and it was approved starting from October 2006. So I swithced from OPT status to H1 status in October 2006.

Please let me know what forms I need to fill for filing taxes this year. What exemptions can I claim? Do I need professional help or can you suggest some software that I can use to fill out the forms myself?

Thanks a lot for your time!

You need to file as a non-resident alien. Because you were F-1 for most of the year, you WILL be able to claim the standard deduction ($5,150) and your personal exemption ($3,300).

If you think you need professional help, contact me at [email protected].

Thanks for your reply AtlantaTaxExpert..

Does this mean I have to file only the 1040NREZ form? How much do you charge for professional help with this form?

Sorry for the delay in answering; there was a glitch in the updating process on my computer.

Yes, Form 1040NR-EZ will be fine.

I do not quote rates on a public forum. Please e-mail me to discuss rates, or PM me.

Hi,

I am a computer programmer. I am a 1st year fresh man F1. So, I can't work off campus. But I got many job offer. I want to change to H1. Will I have a high chance of success.

I study MSCS.

Thanks

Assuming you have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, I'd say your chances of getting an H-1 or H-1B visa is rather high.