Hi
I am not a US citizen, but I am considered resident alien for tax purposes in US and have been filing 1040EZ for the last few years. I am on H-1B visa in US. My question is:
If I send money to my family abroad, is the money sent considered as gift? Specifically, can I claim this money as gift deductions for my taxes? Lets say, the money remitted abroad is less than US $12,000

Can someone answer this question please? Thanks.

There is NO SUCH THING as a gift deduction on the U.S. income tax return.

There IS a donation for charitable donations, but that does not include money given to your family.

BOTTOM LINE: You cannot deduct the money you sent to your family.

What happens if the money sent abroad was used to donate to a foreign chartiy? Can that be used as part of charitable donations?

Sorry, then it was NOT donated by you, but by your family.

Hey ATE!. Thanks for replying patiently...

Glad to help!