Here is the situation:

I an in H1 visa right now. I changed my status somewhere around Oct. Previouly i was in F1 visa for about 7 years. After 5 years i did qualify for the resident alien for the tax purpose. And i was filing accordingly.
But now for the year 2006 i had a dual status(F1 and H1)
What form do i file?

I-1040 resident.

As far as I know, ImI is right -- you file as if you are a resident.

I came here on 2003. I was student upto last October. Then after I am in H1B. Upto Last year I filed 1040NR. This year I am planning to go to H&R Block to file tax. Hopefull they will file 1040 R. Would that be good idea? Could there be any adverse effect.

masingh..
yes there is one severe effect .it will affect your pocket.H&R will charge you pretty good $$ hahaha..

Try turbotax.com online filing. They let you see how much you are getting back before you give your credit card. You can't file online or print anything until you pay.
Very simple and easy. I have already got my tax return back.

Try

www. taxslayer.com

only for $10, state n federal..
If you go from irs.gov and look for efile ..there are bunch of websites..search for taxslayer.com, u can even file for free if u meet certain requirements.

I would appreciate if you can share me your opinion on my case....IMI they said that they will charge inbetween $120-140. 1040NR does not allow filing joint return for spouse. If I can file jointly 1040R I can save $2000.....But I am confused ...thats why thought to go to HR Block.

File 1040 R - no problem ..if your have spouse.

I did it online by using one of the sites that IRS.gov had links to.


CLICK HERE to file with NOMINAL Filing fee


I paid I believe less than $8 for both Federal and State.

If you have worked in more than one state then I think it should be pretty easy to follow along. If you are in college, then the college must have sent you the amount that you can put under itemized deductions for education expense or lifetime learning whatever they call it. But bottom-line be as honest as possible.

Good luck!

ok Mr.hyde ..
honest as possible - great ..that is correct.
but here is the deal no matter you file 1040 or 1040 NR you are filing tax.
sometimes 1040NR saves you money sometimes it doesn't.So , as long as you are filing you should be safe in regards.

Auditing: do you want to take chance?
- it is entirely upto you.You can say you want $5000 in refund and make it that way.well , you know what you will get $5000 refund.will anyone check it? May be may be not.
If you are 10% random unlucky guys from the different income groups then there will be auditing no matter your refund is $5 or $5000. The amount of refund you are asking has nothing to do with you being audited.

Well, If you are under audit and they found you have filed 1040 R even you are not qualified for it - you may have some risks.

I say may be little risk but i think it worth taking.if i were in your position i would .but is entirely upto you.
1040 is the main tax file form so you filled it ..what is this all NR crap.You are resident .

ok scernario in other case in other tax thread.
hmmm.. this dude is working illegally giving SSN , then what do you think.File 1040NR and put your self into more trouble? 1040 no problem. work as many places you want .Have many w2s no problem. 1040 NR creates more confusion.

when is 1040NR to your adavantage?
if you are working in campus as international student. You get several tax returned like medicare, Social security tax. BUt is again long process.Some countries have tax treaty with US like India.So these students do not need to pay taxes.As far as i know the refunds if have be deducted are very high.but Nepal has no such tax treaty.

if you are student don't forget to include your tution expenses ..they are deductible.deduct thousands of dollars you have paid to school.

IMI bro!
I apprecite you trying to help these guys out with your time and energy.

There is another option of ONLINE FILING though.
But here is how I did it that others might find it cost-effective and easier (may or may not be better). I worked in only one state. About working in multiple states, during the filing process there is question like "Do you have any other w-2s?" after finishing each one (w-2). That question should take care of w-2s from multiple states.

I used this site:
http://www.olt.com/main/freefile/default.asp
This site unlike others does not ask your IMIgration ( ;p ) status in this country.
$7.95 for state and $0 for federal.

Note:- Additional step for federal part.
Make sure you print the Form 8453-OL at the end and mail it to the address provided . That will complete the process for the federal part.

Provide the routing number and account number for the bank account you wanna direct-deposit the refund to you are likely to have a decent refund if you are a student and paid taxes.

Good luck (again)!

For educational refund deduction:
your school should have automatically sent you the qualified deduction amount. If you have not then contact your college to have it resent.
[For junior Nepali fellows:
That's why you should always be pro-active in updating the addresses at all accounts whenever you move residences]

HI MIMU! HOWDY DOODY TOODIES!!

*BIG HUGGY* FROM ME.
Me miss you long time! Chico Amigo!. ;];]

AZ OZ!

do you have mexicans in Canada too?

or are they completely absorbed before they reach the northern borders? LOL!

Quite useful information.Thanks guys.
Also if you have anyone on J1 Visa residing with you, you can claim $50 a month.

Thanks ImI
You are saying that i will be on safe side filling 1040R then. I knew for student after 5 year they will be a resident for tax purpose. But i wasnt sure what happens if the status changes during the year to H1b

hey kalimati..i am no tax consultant..we are all here to save some money from here or there and we all want to save money.For everything there is pros and cons.Yes , 1040 NR is what they say to file but even if you are filing 1040R are you cheating tax?no.infact you are paying more.what's the fuss i don't seem to get it.Then again it is my personal opinion.I have and would file 1040R during my college years.
There should be no problem with change of status ..IRS and INS are two seperate insititution.Yes , they can get detail if they want to find out each and everything about you .But.. see this way They are govt. office ..though it is america ..govt. servants are and will remain govt. servants.No matter which country you go.They do not have personal vengeance with you.