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deepayamini · Mar 15, 2006, 01:16 PM

Thanks for your time and patience in reading this request. I was working at my university on F1 status from Jan 1 2005 to Feb22, 2005. I was then on my OPT till OCT 1 2005. Then I was in H1B from OCT 1 2005 to Dec 31 2005. This is the first time I am filing taxes by myself. I did buy a software called "TURBOTAX" but I was not able to figure any details out of it. Can anyone tell me what forms am I supposed to fill for both state as well as federal tax? How should I calculate my taxes? Is there any place in this forum where I can get these details? I am just confused. Thanks for your reply.

With smiles,
Deepa.

AtlantaTaxExpert · Mar 15, 2006, 10:02 PM

Deepa:

What is your nationality? That is critical to my answer!

deepayamini · Mar 15, 2006, 10:16 PM

My nationality is India. I was in the state of Nebraska during my F1 status and state of WI during my H1 status. Hope this helps. Thanks for your reply.

AtlantaTaxExpert · Mar 16, 2006, 10:13 AM

Deepa:

Since you are an Indian national who spent most of the year on F-1 visa status, you can claim the $5,000 standard deduction as well as your $3,200 personal exemption on your non-resident alien tax return (Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ).

Unless you have some tuition expenses you want to claim as a credit, you should file as a non-resident alien. You also need to file Form 8843 one last time for 2005.

You will need to file both Nebraska and Wisconsin state tax returns to account for the money earned in those states. You should file as a part-year resident.

deepayamini · Mar 16, 2006, 05:21 PM

Thanks a lot. So I have to file 1040NR, 8843 and state tax for NE,WI. Is there any online software or something to help me with this. Where can I find the forms?

AtlantaTaxExpert · Mar 16, 2006, 10:07 PM

For the state returns, try www.TaxAct.com.

For the non-resident return, try www.cintax.us.

deepayamini · Mar 17, 2006, 07:24 AM

Thanks. I have one more question, should I use forms 1040NR and 8843 separately for F1 status & H1B. Or should I use one of these forms for F1 and other for H1B. I hope u understand my question.

AtlantaTaxExpert · Mar 17, 2006, 10:12 PM

For 2005, the fact that you were H-1B for part of the year is irrelevant, other than the fact that you will report the conversion on Form 8843 and on page 5 of Form 1040NR.