Hi, I came to the US for employment on July 14 2006 on the E-3 visa (new visa for Australians). I wanted to know of any tax benefits I have? I was told that because I have not been in the US for 183 days of 2006 that I do not get the standard deduction, is there any way around this? Thanks

Unless you are married, you would NOT have gotten the standard deduction if you arrived in country on 2 January 2006.

The 183-day SPT is an important requirement, but not the ONLY requirement.

Thanls for your reply. I am married but do not meet the SPT. Is there any way I can get the standard deduction?

You need to file jointly with your wife and you BOTH choose to be treated as resident aliens. That way you get a double standard deduction of $10,300.