[mknmkn]

Can any one tell me if,

A single non resident alien gets any money back which was with held as tax?

[MukatA]

Your income is subject to SS tax, Medicare Tax, federal income tax and state income tax. If you will get a refund or owe tax will depend upon your income, taxes withheld, filing status and deductions.

[mknmkn]

Thanks MukatA.

I came to US in Aug 26 2008 and I am working here since then. I will be working in 2009 also.
Annual Income $60,000. Total earnings in 2008 $21285.
Total tax with held, Federal $3849, SS $1319 and Medicare $308.

I guess I can fit into
1) resident alien by first-year choice.
2) dual status alien.
3) non-resident alien, if I wish to be.

Can you help me in deciding which kind of filing will be more benefial to me?

[MukatA]

If you are not married, you will file nonresident tax return. You can not file resident tax return.
You can also claim moving expenses; Read Your U.S. Tax Return: Filing Status for Married

[mknmkn]

Publicaiton 519, page 8. First-Year choice: This section mentions that I can be a resident allien by opting for first year choice.

I am not maried. Could any one tell me. How can I legally maximize my returns,

If I claim as non-resident allien, will I get all my federal tax with held back? Because I have not stayed in USA for 183 days in 2008??

If I am elligible to claim as resident allien then, will I get $300 stimulus package??

Do I fit for both standard deduction and self excemption?

I heard that California state tax with held will not be not refunded this time? Is this true.

[MukatA]

You must file nonresident tax return.
The 183 days rule is not applicable in your case.
You will not get stimulus rebate.
No, you will not get standard deduction; only itmeized deductions.
If you worked in CA, you must pay CA taxes.