Non resident alien on L1 visa

[steelers]

Hello Tax Experts,
I would like to thank you in advance for your advice.

I entered US on L1 visa on 22nd Dec 2007. I was in US till 21st June 2008 and then return to India. I am married but my wife and my child never travelled to US. During my stay in US they were in India. My wife did not earn any income in India.

As per rule, my stay is less than 183 days and without dependents in US.
Total wages received in US [Amount in first box of W2] is 32667.91.

1. I would like to know, to save tax which form I should file: 1040 NR or 1040 NR EZ?

2. What should be my filing status: Single or Married ?
[My W2 form mentions taxable marital status 'Single' ]

3 Can I claim any deductions for living expenses in incurred in US?

Thanks for your advice.

[Atlanta Tax Guru]

1) File Forms 1040NR and 2106 to claim daily living expenses. This is allowed because you were in the U.S. for LESS than one year. This assumes that your employer did NOT provide you a daily stipend to cover your daily living expenses.

2) Your filing status is MARRIED, and you will use the Married Filing Separately tax tables.

3) See answer above.

[steelers]

Thanks for quick reply.

One last question, are there any expenses proof required to be attached to support the expense details?


Thanks for your advice.

[Atlanta Tax Guru]

You can claim meals and incidental costs using the per diem rates published in IRS 1542. These rates need NOT be verified with receipts.

What DOES need to be verified by receipt is your rent.