HELP...Income Tax Return - question

[Viky 0]

Hello everyone,

I have a question related to the Income Tax Return. I came to USA with a K1 Visa in 2006. I got my Green Card (conditional) in October 2006.

I worked all year long in 2007 and of course I paid all the taxes. Now it is time to file for taxes. Me and my american husband filled it jointly. We got all the documents (W-2's and everything) and we sent them to the accountant. I just found out today that he said we have to pay a lot (almost $4,000) in taxes because I am a non-resident. My question is: AM I A RESIDENT OR NOT? From my point of view I am definitely a resident because I have a Green Card. The other stupid thing is that my earnings during 2007 are around $9,000 with taxes so how is it hard to belive that I have to pay half back .

Does anyone has any experience with this?

THANKS.

[Jaseball 0]

You need to get a new accountant or better yet, prepare your taxes with Turbo Tax or something.

[Ban Hammer 13,364]

that just don't sound right.

[payxibka 10,045]

YOU NEED A NEW ACCOUNTANT!!!!

Ask him to look up the resident alien test(s) to determine your status.. You need to satisfy the requirement of either test #1 or test #2.

Test #1) Greencard, if an alien at anytime has held a valid greencard they are a resident alien for tax purposes.. Test #2) Substantial presence - If you have lived in the USA for more than 183 days then you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes...

If you fail both of the above, a non-resident alien spouse can elect to be treated as a resident alien by special exception....

Based on your scenario of facts... You pass BOTH....

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

YOU NEED A NEW ACCOUNTANT!!!!

Ask him to look up the resident alien test(s) to determine your status.. You need to satisfy the requirement of either test #1 or test #2.

Test #1) Greencard, if an alien at anytime has held a valid greencard they are a resident alien for tax purposes.. Test #2) Substantial presence - If you have lived in the USA for more than 183 days then you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes...

If you fail both of the above, a non-resident alien spouse can elect to be treated as a resident alien by special exception....

Based on your scenario of facts... You pass BOTH....

yes!!! or use turbotax (like someone said) your accountant is an idiot. NEVER use him again.

[Viky 0]

Thanks everyone!

I told my husband that the accountant is an idiot because he didn't even took the time to call us to ask if I am a resident or not. We have an appoitment scheduled with him so... we will see.

[Sofargone 2]

I would suggest you give TaxAct a look around. It is very simple and easy to use and like TurboTax eliminates the need to use a tax preparer.

My wife and I used TaxAct and filed State and FED earlier this month and already have had both returns direct deposited into our accounts.

Sofargone