[Agasthi]

I came to US on May 2011 on L1B, my spouse on July 2011 L1B. I am moved back to India on December 2011. I want to file tax as MFJ - married file jointly. We both got SSN.

The question is: 2011 is the first time when I visited US. I stayed in US for more than 200 days in 2011. Could you please help me to find how to file my tax returns? I got W2 from my employer and just want to know whether it's suffient to file form 1040-EZ or 1040-NR? Kindly help me.

Please note: when I use efile online tax filing and added W2 form and filled the details, the application automatically taks 1040EZ form for submission.

[MukatA]

You are dual status for 2011. You can file
(a) Dual status tax return, or
(b) Joint return as residents.
If you file joint return as residents both of you MUST report worldwide income for 2011. If you paid taxes in a foreign country, you can file Form 1116 (foreign tax credit). Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Citizen or Resident with Foreign Income
You can claim deduction for boarding, travel and meals for your stay in U.S. But this is itemized deduction. On dual status return you do not get standard deduction, you only get itemized deduction. Your U.S. Tax Return: Itemized Deductions

[Agasthi]

Thanks MukatA for the valuable suggestion.

One quick question: if I am selecting the Joint return as residents, total number of forms that I need to file is 2; right?
1) 1040EZ
2) 1116
3) Please let me know form number to claim deduction for boarding, travel and meals

Please correct me if I am wrong.