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    pingsmile's Avatar
    pingsmile Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 5, 2008, 12:44 PM
    OPT-H1b Tax Issue
    I'm filing my tax returns for 2007. I have one complication and need to know how to minimize my tax burden.

    Chinese national
    Came to the U.S.: Aug. 2005 (2 and a half years ago)
    F1: 08/2005 - 06/2007, during which, OPT: 06/2006 - 06/2007
    H1b: 06/2007 - today

    As you can see, I was basically half year on OPT and half year (＞183 days) on H1b last year. I know I can just go ahead to file as a resident alien for the whole year. But I tried some of the online softwares, I don't get much deduction that way. I'm just wondering if I can split the year and claim for the treaty exempt for the first $5000 I made while I was on OPT and also claim the standard deductions (pro-rated maybe) while I was on H1b? I know spliting the year would be complicated and I will probably need to find a tax preparer to help me, but does the savings from spliting the year justify the efforts?

    THANKS!!
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #2

    Feb 6, 2008, 02:53 PM
    Unles you are married, you MUST file a dual-status alien tax return, which CANNOT be filed on-line. It must be prepared manually and mailed!

    If you need help, contact me at the email below.
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