Hi,
I have been reading QA for a while, and the forum is very useful. As I understand, if I have been in US for less than 5 years, then I am exempted from SSN and Medicare taxes.
Here's my situation.
I had been here on F1 from Aug 7, 2001-Jan 14, 2006.
Been on OPT from Jan 15,2006 to Nov 30,2006.
Then H1B from Dec 1,2006 till now.
Q1. In 2006, am I a resident alien, or non resident? If I'm non-resident, should I talk the company to get my SSN and Medicare back( as they already took them from my pay check)or file Form 843 and Form 8316 to obtain a refund from the IRS for the Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld in error by my employer.
Q2. If I'm non-resident, can I claim the tax treaty between U.S. and Thailand?
Q3. I have some expenses(food, hotel, air ticket) on job interview(unreimbursed), can I use them as itemized deductions?
Q4. I also paid $2000 to my attorney for H1 paperworks. Can I use that as itemized deduction?
I'm looking forward to your answer, and thank you in advance.