[Alp123]

Hello experts,

I was F1 till May 10 2010, with no job & income. Then my GC was approved on May 8 2010.
Then from June 2010 started a full time job for the rest of the year.
From INDIA

So want your expert ideas on how to file the tax returns for 2010. What will be my status for filling tax- Dual or resident.
1. Do I need to file both forms 1040NR & 1040.
- If yes how should what should I enter 1040 NR(o income), and fill W2 info in 1040?
2. As I received no income during non resident, can I claim standard deduction on 1040.


Your help will be really helpful.
Alp

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Alp:

Your Green Card status dictate that you will file as a resident for all of 2010, while claiming ALL world-wide income on your return, and, yes, you can claim the standard deduction.

The income earned in India can be excluded using the Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555), or you can offset the double taxation by filing Form 1116, or both if the income is high enough.

If you need professional help filing your return, email me at [email protected].

[Alp123]

So I don't need to file as DUAL ALIEN for tax (1040NR for F1 period & 1040 for GC). I can file normal 1040 with standard deduction as normal resident does.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

No dual-status return is required.

Once you got your green card, you became a resident for tax purposes for the ENTIRE year, and, yes, you can claim the standard deduction because you ARE a normal resident.