[rossella]

Hi, my name is Rossella, I'm working in the usa , I arrived at the end of August I am a language specialist teacher, I need some information about the thinghs that I can deduct, for example, I paid 800 dollars for my visa at my sponsor and I would like to know if I can deduct it, also I woud like to know if I can deduct the rent of my bedroom, the transportation(bus tickets), my ticket fly and other thinghs that I can deduct, thank you very much and sorry for my english rossella

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Rossella:

I need more information:

- How long are you planning to stay in the U.S.
- WHO is paying your salary (university, gov't agency, private corporation/employer)?
- How much did you make?
- What is your country of origin?

Please answer these questions so I can better guide you.

[rossella]

Hi, thank you very much, I try to answer the questions:
I arrived at the end of August 2006 and I will finish at the and of May 2007 (9 months), the italian Cultural Society pays me every month 3600 dollar and I come from Italy. Thank you rossella

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Rossella:

If you are on a J-1 visa, it is very likely that ALL of your income is exempt from U.S. taxes for the first two years you are in the U.S.

At 9 months, you definitely meet the time constraints.

Have you received a Form W-2 or Form 1099-MISC that documents your $3,600 monthly income?

What is your visa status?

Is the Italian Cultural Society an agency of the Italian or U.S. government, a non-profit organization, or a private, for-private corporation?

Finally, in what part of the U.S. are you located?

[rossella]

Hi, thank very much for your help, I try to answer the questions:
I haven't received a form but I know that I have to wait at the end of January or the beginning of February for that. My visa status is language specialist/teacher .The Italian cultural society is not an agency of the italian governament but it is a non-profit organization. I live in Maryland. Now I would like to ask you some other questions:
1) Do I need to complete a tax form 1040NR? Because a J-1 visa it appears I'm exempt from us taxes but my sponsor told me that I have to complete this form
2)Do I need to pay social security tax? Right now there are no social security deductions from my pay-check
Thank you very much rossella

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Rosella:

1) Your sponsor is probably the best source of information about your tax situation. If they say you must file the return, then, unfortunately, it is likely you are NOT tax exempt as I proposed above. You may be able to file Form 1040NR-EZ, which is somewhat easier.

2) No, for sure you are NOT liable for either Social Security or Medicare taxes.

If you need professional help to file your return, contact me at [email protected].