[info_seeker]

Hi, I am really confused about how to fill my W4 form so that I do not over pay taxes. My status for the year 2007 is as follows:

Jan'07 - Oct '07 - OPT
Oct '07 onwards - H1B
Marital Status - Single
Citizenship - Indian
Presently Living in NY city but will be moving to Jersey city sometime this month.

I have following specific questions:

1) I recently found a job, and my employer has strict policies and so I am not able to speak to the payroll department. I am aware of the fact that on OPT a person has to pay less tax, but how can I convey this to my employer's payroll department (or on W4) so that they do not deduct my full tax.

2) Considering my marital and resident status, what all exemptions can I claim on W4 in order to avoid overpaying. Also, are there any investments that I can make to avoid paying huge taxes, considering the fact that NY tax rate is very high. My salary range is between 70-80k.

3) I will surely be moving to Jersey city sometime this month, and I am aware of the fact that Jersey city resident do not pay NY city tax. I have decided upon the place where I will be moving, so I have the exact address with me. So on the W4, should I put my Jersey city address or the NY city address where I am currently staying. If I put NY city address, my employer will deduct the city tax from my upcoming biweekly paycheck.

4) I was unemployed until 06/27/07 and then I found a temporary job. Now I found a full time job, and so what will be my status when I file my tax. Will I be eligible for a refund since I did not work for over half a year.

I will really appreciate if someone can reply these questions, as I have been trying to find the info over internet and am not able to find anything.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

1) Send a polite email stating that, while on OPT, you are considered a student in EXEMPT status and not liable for Social Security and Medicare taxes.

2) Claim SINGLE status. Fully fund your 401K; if not 401K, the n open a traditional IRA for yourself and YOUR wife.

3) Yes, put your NJ addressand have NOTHING withheld for NJ.

4) Probably!