How to file tax on H1b??

[csharpguru]

I am on H1b?? What is the procedure to file tax for year 2008.......My company is giving me the W-2 form......

[theshiningsun]

1st ur employer will send u a W-2 form. this is usually sent by end-jan or mid-feb. also ur bank will send u 1099 form which lists ur income from interest & investments.

after u hv these docs u hv many options on how to file ur tax. u hv to file 2 types of returns, federal & state. if u hv lived in 2 or more states during the fin. yr then u may hv to file for both states.

if u r married, it is better to file as married filing jointly even if both partners r earning.


u can go to a tax consultant, they will file ur taxes for a small fee. professional tax consulting companies like h&r block charge roughly $150. but they offer a variety of options. others may charge lesser but also give u lesser options.
u can purchase some tax filing software and use it.
u can file ur taxes online. check out the irs website at http://www.irs.gov/ for details. many states also offer e-file option for filing state tax returns. u can also use e-file to file online. but if u r married then e-file might need ur spouse to hv ssn.

[csharpguru]

For Federal Tax:-

Can I file Form 1040EZ OR Form 1040A OR Form 1040 and mail it to IRS.

For State Tax:-

As you said there is e-file option for state tax too....Are there any forms to file and mail to them.....

Does my wife needs ITIN, as she does not have SSN....

Can I file as Married filing jointly for both federal tax and state tax, without my wife applying for ITIN ?????

[cncd1]

To file jointly, all need SSN or ITIN as appropriate for individuals circumstances. To claim children, they also need ID number - SSN for citizens, ITIN for others.

ITIN will be issed when individual included in filing for the first time; it is not a big problem/issue.

Read dependency instructions carefully.

[theshiningsun]

which form to use depends on what capacity u r filing ur tax returns. u can file as citizen, permanent resident, resident alien or non-resident alien.

if u r on H-1B or some other temporary visa then u will be resident alien if u hv stayed for more than certain minimum days. i am not sure about exact no of days. if not then u r a non-resident alien.

about itin what cncd1 is saying is correct.

if it is ur 1st time to file taxes it is better to consult a tax expert.