Hi experts
I am an Indian national, entered the US on July 16th, 2006 on H1B visa and continued to work in the US for the rest of the year. Prior to that I was working in Singapore for over six years continuously since 1999, of which the last 3.5 years were as permanent resident there (including the first six months of 2006). I'm still hold the Singapore PR (similar to Green Card in the US).
I'm married and has a 2 yr old kid. Wife and kid (on H4) are in the US with me since Nov'06.
Since I do not qualify as a US tax resident for 2006, I intend to avail the 'first year choice' to be treated as a tax resident for the year and subsequently file as MFJ. I seem to satisfy the conditions for bonafide residency and physical presence in Singapore, as well as the 'tax home' test for the period of bonafide residency (though I'm not absolutely certain, given the legal jargon). My earnings in Singapore are not connected to the US in any way and are taxed there.
Now,
(1) Would I quailfy for foreign income exclusion (for my wages in Singapore for the first 6 months of the year) while choosing to be treated as a tax resident? I've been speaking to H&R Bloc and they think I qualify. If I don't, Let me know why, so that I can clarify with them again.
(2) I did a search on the country list that has tax treaties with the US and don't seem to find Singapore on it, but India is. How does it effect my situation?
Thanks in advance for your time and responses.
PPT