Tax related question

[idealistix 0]

Here's the deal: I worked in India for six months in 2008, moved to the US in October '08, and got married in October '08. My wife and I are planning to file a joint return. Here are my questions, worded for your convenience in a Yes / No answer format :

1. Since we are filing jointly, I will be considered as a full-year resident for 2008, right?

2. If answer to Q1 is yes, will this mean that my Indian income will be taxed too?

3. I was in the US from June '07 to Jan '08 and again from Oct '08 onwards. I don't think I qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion (Form 2555) because of the physical presence test. Am I right?

4. If answer to Q3 is yes, I think that my best option is to get credit for the taxes that I paid in India using form 1116. Is this the best option for me?

5. On the form 1040 (NOT 1040A or 1040-EZ), where do I enter my foreign wages? I am considering Line 21 which states: "Other Income (type and amount)". I don't think I should enter it on line 7 which is for wages, because it needs a supporting W-2. I obviously don't have a W-2 for the wages that I earned in India.

The most important question for me is number 5. Please feel free to skip some of the questions if you don't get them. Thanks in advance for your help!

[JeroenAndMichelle 28]

I recently had similar questions but I found that the answers on these questions are different for each person.. what I did instead was calling the IRS (see the irs website: irs.gov) and they just went through a complete checklist with me and could tell me exactly what I had to do.. I advice you to do the same as that will give you the best answers possible

[Mr Zee 0]

calling the IRS is your best bet, you don't want to file the wrong form on your first year.

[payxibka 10,045]

calling the IRS is your best bet, you don't want to file the wrong form on your first year.

actually calling the IRS is not always a guaranty of a right answer... the (mis)information line gives out as much or more wrong information than the USCIS line does

[Mr Zee 0]

calling the IRS is your best bet, you don't want to file the wrong form on your first year.

actually calling the IRS is not always a guaranty of a right answer... the (mis)information line gives out as much or more wrong information than the USCIS line does

Anyway, just make sure you have a prove of your income/taxes paid in India, as these kind of credits get questioned all the time.

I know some people just omit all their foreign income issue if it is not material and just file with the spouse a 1040 or 1040EZ to avoid the hassle.