Hi,
I came to US on F1 in 2001 and graduated in 2003. I have been employed from October, 2003 on my OPT and my H1 started in May, 2004. I changed my employer to say A, in 2004 and in 2005 I had to leave the country to be with my family in India. I was out of the country from April 2005 - Jan 2006. I returned to work with my employer A. The following are my questions:

1. I had some moving expenses in 2005 when I left to India. I did not deduct these expenses from my tax filed for 2005 since my friend did it for me while I was still in India. Can I do that in 2006 tax return?

2. When I came back in Jan 2006, I had some moving charges and I paid for my flight. Can I deduct these from my 2006 tax. If so does it come under itemized deductions or standardized? What is the maximum that I can deduct on this?

3. I am a VA resident, but I have been working as a traveller for a client in OH throughout 2006. Does that make me eligible for any deductions on my state tax?

Thanks a lot...

1) You need to amend your 2005 return to claim 2005 moving expenses.

2) Yes, you claim them on Form 3903, and it is an adjustment to income on Page 1 of Form 1040. There is no maximum, but very high expenses will probably be challenged.

3) You should pay taxes in Ohio, then claim a credit on your VA return.

ATE,
Thanks SO MUCH for your reply... Appreciate your help...

Glad to help!