Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    brickcll's Avatar
    brickcll Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Feb 24, 2009, 02:13 PM
    L1 to H1 in same year; Resident or Non-Resident Alien?
    Hello,

    How are you doing?

    I have a tax related question and I will be highly obliged if you can provide me with some guidance.

    Background: I came to US on 27th Dec 2007 on L1 visa with my wife on L2 Visa status. In October 2008 I got my visa status changed to H1 and since then I am on H1 and my wife is on H4. During the entire 2008, I did not leave US and was working for the same employer.

    Question 1: Though I was not resident alien at the beginning of the year 2008, but I met substantial presence test for year 2008 after 183 days in US.
    For filing tax should I consider myself resident alien or with dual status? Will I have any bearing on my resident or non resident alien status because I changed my visa to H1?

    Question 2: I was partially on L1 and then on H1 during year 2008. Can I still claim my wife as a dependent for entire tax year.

    I shall be thankfull for your response.

    Kind Regards
    Kartik Sharma
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
     
    #2

    Feb 25, 2009, 12:42 AM

    You can file resident tax return as Married Filing Jointly.

    You will get standard deduction of $10,900 and exemptions for both of you.

    You must both declare your worldwide income for 2008.

    You will complete forms W7 (application for ITIN) for your spouse and attach with your tax return.
    Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas
    brickcll's Avatar
    brickcll Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Feb 25, 2009, 07:23 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by MukatA View Post
    You can file resident tax return as Married Filing Jointly.

    You will get standard deduction of $10,900 and exemptions for both of you.

    You must both declare your worldwide income for 2008.

    You will complete forms W7 (application for ITIN) for your spouse and attach with your tax return.
    Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas

    Thanks a lot MukatA.

    I wanted to make it sure because I went to HnR block and guy gave me another answer. Just one more thing. My wife is a student now. The money I paid in fee, can that be claimed towrads deduction as well?
    Let me know if you have an idea.
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
     
    #4

    Feb 25, 2009, 11:12 AM

    On resident return you can claim tuition and fee adjustment deduction of up to $4000. Adjustment deduction is shown on Form 1040, line 34 or 1040A, line 19. For this you need to do Form 8917 (Tuition and Fees Deduction) based on Form 1098-T received from educational institution..
    brickcll's Avatar
    brickcll Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #5

    Feb 25, 2009, 12:49 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by MukatA View Post
    On resident return you can claim tuition and fee adjustment deduction of up to $4000. Adjustment deduction is shown on Form 1040, line 34 or 1040A, line 19. For this you need to do Form 8917 (Tuition and Fees Deduction) based on Form 1098-T received from educational institution..

    Thanks a lot mukatA. I really appreciate all the help.
    Best Regards

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

I was non-resident alien in 2007, but resident alien in 2008. Stimulus payment? [ 6 Answers ]

I was non-resident alien and filed 1040NR in 2007, but I was resident alien in 2008 and am filing 1040-EZ with Turbo tax. I am also seeing that, on the instructions for form 1040, it says: "This credit is figured in the same manner as the economic stimulus payment you may have received in...

First year H1b resident alien tax [ 1 Answers ]

Hi Tax Experts, I came to the US in 2002 on F1. Changed to H1b in 2006. Since 2007 is the first year that I am going to file tax as a resident alien, I have some questions. Your help is greatly appreciated! 1) Do I still have to file form 8843, which I have always filed for the past 5 years?...

Full year resident alien part year treaty [ 1 Answers ]

My country has a tax treaty with US. I came on J1 visa in September 2005 and got the benefit of the tax treaty till August 2007. And since September 2007 my taxes are being with held. I am considered as full year resident alien since Januarary 2007. Which tax form I need to fill up and where to...

Resident or Non-resident Alien for tax year 2006? [ 3 Answers ]

Hi I have been in the US since 20th January 2006 and am on the payroll of my company since July 2006 , for the purpose of filling Tax returns for the year 2006 , am I a resident Alien or a non-resident alien?


View more questions Search