What Makes AOTAX the Most Preferred Tax Assistant in 2022

What Makes AOTAX the Most Preferred Tax Assistant in 2022

People spend hours pondering over taxes at some point in time. It is upsetting that taxes add to the already busy lives. However, you can make the job a lot easier with a good tax consultant.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the advantages of AOTAX over other tax consultation services like TurboTax or Taxfyle, especially for Indians residing in the US.

Taxes Can be Taxing!

Taxes-could-be-taxing

There could be a lot of confusion surrounding income taxes, especially if you are a professional en route to making it big in the United States. However, with Advantage One Tax Consulting Inc., or AOTAX, you will get a complete idea of tax returns, planning, and more.

While tax assistance service providers may promise easy tax preparation without complications, not all are reliable and easy on the pocket. Here is where AOTAX becomes different from Turbotax and Taxfyle.

Rather than making promises of an all-encompassing service package, we curate dedicated human assistants to study your tax documents and check for discrepancies. 

While technology fairs over the human brain, the latter does not fall into the many pitfalls that automated tools and calculators are prone to.

Why AOTAX Should Be Your Preferred Tax Partner in 2022

What-Makes-AOTAX-the-Most-Preferred-Tax-Assistant-in-2022-Infographic

Read on to learn what sets AOTAX apart from other consultants:

1. AOTAX treats individuals and businesses alike

AOTAX is a wholesome service tax consultation company that prioritizes individual customers as much as we focus on businesses. Filing taxes and maintaining financial documents is as difficult for individuals as for small and big businesses. Therefore, AOTAX assigns qualified professionals to guide you through this hectic process.

As an NRI, you may find it exhausting to look through the nuances of tax filing in the US. Even if the country does not recognize you as a tax resident, you can file income tax returns as an employee in accordance with the provisions permitted by the firm you work for. Our professional team offers Tax Return services, ITIN Guidance, FBAR & FATCA Processing services, and more!

With AOTAX, entrepreneurs like you can have it easy on the formalities with our Business Incorporation services. We also offer a highly ethical Accounting & Bookkeeping service with the help of proficient accountants.

If it is payroll processing that your business is struggling with, like 35% of companies registered with the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), AOTAX has got your back! 

2. AOTAX is 100% online and manual checks for enhanced accuracy

AOTAX is specific about assigning individual experts to curate tax details for customers at the backend. Even though we offer a completely online interface to interact with you, your work would be done by expert human analysts – not automated software.

With the help of our professional team, you can easily file tax returns online as well. Starting from January 24, 2022, you can file tax returns online even if you are not a tax resident. You could qualify for a refund or tax credit later.

Filing taxes online is a more convenient option. Read about its convenience here. However, if you are doing it for the first time and have hesitance using such software, we advise you to consult our expert team, who can guide you through it all online.

3. AOTAX focuses on tax planning

Preparing taxes is a one-time job that occurs between January and April. It essentially analyzes many documents surrounding your income and investments, as well as retirement strategies. A Certified Public Accountant or CPA is responsible for preparing your taxes.

However, tax planning is a future-centric process that studies how to minimize taxes in succeeding years and prioritizes savings. Brands like Turbotax and Taxfyle often compromise this. Tax planning involves the analysis of your financial behavior to manage taxes and maximize returns.

At AOTAX, you can customize a personalized strategy for you and your business to improve your tax returns and invest wisely. In addition, AOTAX is a tax planning consultant that makes it a point to hold regular meetings at your convenience to help you chart your finances by your objectives, future aspirations, and values.

4. AOTAX doesn’t promise impossible returns

AOTAX is a practical tax planning partner. We focus on not pestering clients with unwanted upgrades and false promises. Perhaps the most nagging aspect of consultant agencies is offering recurrent and utopian promises, but we associate with clients transparently and plausibly.

Whether your business needs assistance or yourself, AOTAX can develop a comprehensive financial statement for you, encompassing a strategy for you to follow for maximum returns. If your business needs our service, we will represent you at tax audits and meetings to give it maximum exposure and successful leverage. 

However, we don’t guarantee overnight miracles. Instead, we promise continuous assistance and complete confidentiality. Rather than presenting a common plan for every customer, AOTAX focuses on curating customized options for you according to your needs. This is how we differ from Turbotax and Taxfyle.

5. AOTAX offers audit defense and services

While many consultants do not have a standard tax audit service, AOTAX offers it as a standard among our many other packages. Take a look at our services that include financial planning and audit defense. If you are struggling under the weight of tax debt, AOTAX can offer resolutions to pick you up from your financial mayhem.

Our team takes into consideration your financial capabilities and constraints alike before designing a strategy for you and your business. We do not make it heavy on your pocket by asking for recurrent charges. Instead, our tax advisory service can mold a plan for your entire future, including your retirement. 

Moreover, we don’t push for unwanted upgrades.

Choose us Today

Choose-us-today

From individual services to business strategies, AOTAX can be the savior you were in search of. Do not give in to the pressures of your host country, and reach out to us today. We will walk you through the details of everything tax-related in the US.

FBAR & FATCA Processing, ITIN Processing, Extension Filing, and Tax Return Services offered by AOTAX have abundantly secured the lives of many US-based Indians since 2003! This sets us apart from other consultancies that contain empty words and confusing workflows. We make it easy, convenient, and fast for you.

It is time for you to let go of complex and conventional tax solutions offered by firms like Turbotax and Taxfyle. AOTAX makes the process breezy!

Don’t take our word. Listen to our faithful brigade of customers instead!

It is already time to file taxes for the year 2022. Do not wait up. Schedule an appointment today and let’s talk it over!

IRS Tax Filing Dates for 2022 You Need to Know About

IRS Tax Filing Dates for 2022 You Need to Know About

A rampant virus, skeleton staff, ongoing legislative changes, and flailing funding all make for a decidedly bumpy tax season ahead. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is battling backlogs with a grossly understaffed team (20,000 fewer employees than in 2010) and the delays and complexities engendered by stimulus check deliveries and advances in Child Tax Credits. 

President Biden’s Build Back Better plan faces gridlock in the Senate, only making matters worse. As a result, taxpayers are in for a world of frustration, and the IRS urges attentiveness in cases of tax-related documents. 

More specifically, the department counsels are looking out for W-2, 1099 forms, and additional letters regarding Child Tax Credits and Economic Impact Payments for those who received benefits last year. 

Read on to know more about precisely what you can expect during the upcoming tax season: key dates, important information, and tips to help you prepare better.

Important IRS Dates for 2022 to Keep a Tab On

Important-IRS-Dates-for-2022-to-Keep-a-Tab-On

February 15—deadline for eligible employees to submit W-4 forms (tax exemption) to employers.

April 1—Deadline for Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) payments from retirement accounts for senior citizens who turned 72 in 2021.

April 18Deadline for tax filing for most Americans.

April 19—Tax filing deadline for taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts due to Patriots’ Day falls on April 18 in those states.

May 16—Deadline for tax filing submissions for victims of the Colorado wildfires and Midwest Tornados. 

June 15—Tax filing deadline for those applying for extensions, military members, and Americans living overseas. 

October 17—Deadline for taxpayers who requested an extension for tax filing submissions. 

December 31RMD contribution deadlines for those 73 and older. 

Typically, the deadline to file and pay taxes is April 15; however, the dates have been adjusted due to the public holidays. With Emancipation Day falling on the 15th, the deadline has been extended to April 18. A similar occurrence is visible in Maine and Massachusetts due to Patriots’ Day on April 18.

Things to Keep in Mind While Filing Tax in 2022

As you prepare to file taxes for 2022, we recommend keeping the following in mind: 

Smaller refunds

The lower refunds that have been forecasted are due to shifts in policy and shrinking resources. While the Biden administration has diverted an additional 2 billion USD to the agency via the American Rescue Plan, funding remains an issue. 

On a grassroots level, individuals may owe more to the government and receive less if they did not opt-out of Child Tax Credits or didn’t include any student loan deductions. Therefore, taxpayers have been advised to brace themselves given the fluid situation. 

Child Tax Credits

As discussed above, Child Tax Credits could impact your tax outlook for the year, given that Congress not only inflated the credits but also began to pay out half of the credit value in advance. 

This was done through monthly installments to help struggling families quickly. Additionally, the CTC was refundable (there was no minimum income required to claim it) but fluctuated according to income levels. 

Ideally, taxpayers who received the installments would receive the remaining half of the credits as a part of their tax refund, but reconciling exactly how much was paid can complicate matters. 

Some may have received more than they were eligible for, and others less. For this reason, it is imperative to safeguard Letter 6419 sent to all payment receivers so that it may be verified in your tax return.

Economic Impact Payments 

Stimulus checks of 1400 USD were issued to eligible receivers from March 2021 as a part of the Economic Impact Payments scheme. If you received the entirety of the payment, you need not include any information while filing your taxes. 

However, those missing some payments could be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for the same. The missing amount would be included in tax refunds. You must note, though, Letter 6475 (Your Third Economic Impact Statement) plays a crucial role in determining whether this applies to you. Much like Letter 6419, it must be given equal importance as W-2 and 1099 forms.

Extending Your Submission Deadline

While it is never advised to miss tax deadlines, those who require more time can qualify for an immediate extension by filling and submitting Form 4868

This grants a 4-month extension, usually till October 15. However, with it being a Saturday, the final deadline is October 17. The IRS stresses that this extension is only for submitting tax returns and does not apply to payments. 

If an individual owes taxes, the deadline remains April 15. Failing to pay on time results in penalty fees. Taxpayers can incur hefty charges: 5% of the amount due each month, a monthly penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid amount, 3% in accrued interest, and a maximum of 25% of what is owed. 

When Can you Expect your Refund?

The IRS urges taxpayers to check thoroughly for document and numerical accuracy and to file their taxes as soon as their documentation is ready. 

The agency advises filing online and opting for a direct deposit to make the process as seamless as possible for a quick return. Taxpayers who choose direct deposits could see their accounts credited within 21 days of submission by approximately mid-February

However, refunds involving often misused credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (CTC) will take longer due to more stringent verification processes. 

Also read: All You Need to Know About How to File Tax Returns Online

What Next? 

Resting your laurels will not quicken or ease the process; hence compiling documents and visiting a tax planner should be top of your priority list. A non-exhaustive list of documents required are listed below:

  • W-2 form from your employer.
  • 1099 form for income earned from investments.
  • Mortgage payment proofs.
  • Letter 6149 for Child Tax Credits.
  • Letter 6475 for Economic Impact Payments.
  • Receipts and bank statements for deductible expenses.
  • Proofs of taxable transactions and investments for things such as cryptocurrency and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

As an Indian in unfamiliar territory, preparing to file your taxes can be a daunting task. AOTAX has been helping Indian professionals in the US with their tax requirements for almost two decades and provides hassle-free consultancy, planning, and filing services. So, sign up for free today and let us help you with financial peace of mind.

Guide to Tax Planning for Indian IT Professionals in the US

Guide to Tax Planning for Indian IT Professionals in the US

Taxes received from citizens are a country’s principal source of revenue. In India, too, the income tax collected accounts for most government revenue.

If you’re an Indian IT professional having links to the US, you may be required to pay income taxes in the United States even if you are not a U.S. citizen. Whether you should file a tax return in the United States is determined by whether the US government deems you a “tax resident.”

Although paying taxes in both countries is sometimes necessary, the two nations have treaties to safeguard NRIs, such as the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Tax planning for Indian IT professionals need not be tricky when you know the nitty-gritty of the same.

Immigration and Taxes: Who Has to Pay Taxes?

Immigration-and-Taxes-Who-Has-to-Pay-Taxes

In terms of taxes, the United States divides people into two categories: tax residents and non-tax residents. You may be asking how to figure out how immigration and taxes apply to you if you have recently immigrated to the United States?

Even if you are not a US citizen, you may be obligated to pay US taxes in different circumstances. Whether you must file and pay taxes is determined by the government’s classification of you as a tax resident.

However, not all non-immigrant visa holders are tax residents, though. Even if you are not a tax resident, filing an income tax return if you have worked for an employer who withholds taxes from your salary is a good idea since you may be eligible for a refund.

Non-immigrant visa holders can only become tax residents if they stay in the United States for at least 183 days in the current year. For example, if you spend 200 days in the US and have a non-immigrant visa, you must report your earnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Furthermore, even if you spent less than 183 days in the United States during the current year, a weighted system could classify you as a tax resident. 

Unless you spent less than 30 days in the United States during the current year, you are a tax resident if you have spent at least 183 “weighted” days in the US during the previous 3 years.

Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement

According to Article 15 of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), if a person is a resident of one nation but earns money in another, his income is taxed ‘only’ in the country where he lives.

This means that if an NRI works in the United States and earns money from India, he is only liable for US taxes. For this purpose, the person must present a US IRS-issued Tax Residency Certificate to his Indian payee. If taxes were deducted in India, the NRI could file a tax claim in the United States for that amount.

Global Income Taxation in the US for NRIs

Individuals who are US residents or citizens in any of the NRI, PIO, or OC categories must pay taxes on their global income in the US, whether they are NRIs, PIOs, or OCs.

NRIs’ income received in India is taxed differently in the United States, depending on their taxation policies. The following are the criteria on which NRI taxation in the United States may be imposed. This can help in tax planning for Indian IT professionals.

1. Income from salary

In India, if an individual receives a pay package with multiple components, each component is taxed separately. Individuals may also qualify for tax breaks or exemptions if they get medical reimbursements or allowances.

In the United States, however, the same taxing conditions do not apply to salaries. An individual’s income is taxed regardless of how much the person earns. 

The taxable components of your salary are listed on the well-known Form 16 in India. In contrast, if an individual or NRI files an ITR in the United States, all tax-free components of the pay received in India must be disclosed. At the same time, these individuals must pay taxes on those components in the United States.

NRIs must use the tax return Form 1040 to report their salary income in India. Form 1116 is used to file a tax return or claim a tax credit.

2. Freelancing and contractual income

This is applicable for NRIs who provide consulting services in the United States but earn money from India. In this case, the linked NRIs are taxed in the United States on that income. Therefore, whether the income is received in the United States or an Indian bank account, this tax must be paid.

The provisions of the DTAA, or Double Tax Avoidance Agreement, must be considered in this case.

3. Rental income

If an NRI rents an Indian property, his rental income will be taxed in the United States. Any rental income from immovable property may be taxed in the country where the property is located, according to Article 6 of the DTAA. 

As a result, any income from rent in India is subject to taxation for US NRIs. NRIs, on the other hand, must declare this income while submitting their US tax return. Taxes paid in India would be credited to them.

It’s worth noting that salary and contractual income are only taxed in the country where they’re earned. Both countries, however, have the option of taxing rental revenue. 

The first right belongs to the country in which the property is located. As a result, the NRI will pay tax on his rental income in India first, according to his available Indian tax slab.

The rental income must then be declared by the NRI taxpayer in the United States. The tax on his entire income is then calculated using his tax bracket in the United States. The NRI might claim a tax credit in the United States for whatever taxes he paid in India.

NRIs in the United States must file Form 1040 Schedule E for tax purposes. In India, rental income is subject to a 30% tax reduction. Actual expenses, such as maintenance and repair, are deducted in the United States. Form 1116 tax credit claims must be completed.

4. Income from the sale of agricultural land

In India, the selling of agricultural land is a tax-free transaction. It is, however, taxed in the United States. An NRI’s income from the sale of agricultural property must be declared in the United States and taxed as part of their global income.

5. Capital gains

A capital gain is any profit earned from selling capital assets such as land, property, stocks, shares, mutual funds, etc. In India and the United States, the time period used to establish whether an asset is a long-term or short-term capital gain is different. NRIs face new challenges because of this.

It may result in NRIs paying tax on their sales in India and additional tax on the remaining amount in the US, notwithstanding the possibility of claiming the tax credit in the US. To an NRI, this could result in a double taxable asset.

Long-term capital gains in the United States are taxed at the same rate for all assets, one year. Long-term capital gains are taxed at a rate of 15%, whereas short-term gains are added to your total income.

The following table summarizes the above topic of capital gains taxes:

Capital-Gains-Taxes-Table

6. Income from interest generated

Interest income is added to the total income of each Indian resident and then taxed according to the overall tax bracket. This is usually 30% percent of the interest income.

Interest earned in India or the United States is added to the NRI’s total income and taxed according to the bracket in which it falls. This may be different in the United States, depending on the state’s legislation where the NRI resides.

If an NRI earns interest on deposits in India, he will have a tax deduction of TDS in India at a reduced 15 percent rate if the DTAA is in place.

7. Income from dividends

In India, any dividend income is tax-free. On the other hand, Dividends are added to total income and taxed in the United States.

NRIs must report “Interest and dividends” income on Schedule B of Form 1040 to be taxed. Foreign tax credits can be claimed using Form 1116.

8. Foreign Tax Credit Limit in the USA

In the United States, NRIs can claim a tax credit; however, the IRS has set a limit. For this, you’ll need to fill out Form 1116. This means that the foreign tax credit should be calculated in accordance with the NRI’s US tax due in the same proportion as the NRI’s total income.

It’s important to realize that taxes in the United States differ from state to state. As a result, the taxes paid by NRIs in different states vary. The above criteria for NRI taxation can help in tax planning for Indian IT professionals.

Personal tax returns can be a stressful undertaking. AOTAX can relieve you of this burden by preparing your Personal Tax Returns for you.

We are all Registered Tax Agents with vast hands-on expertise, and we all take great pride in assisting our clients in achieving their objectives.

We do everything we can to minimize your tax while making the overall taxing procedure as efficient, easy, and cost-effective as possible, thanks to a staff of highly skilled and experienced Tax Accountants. Contact us if you are an IT professional working in the USA and looking at filing tax in the USA.

All You Need to Know About How to File Tax Returns Online

All You Need to Know About How to File Tax Returns Online

It’s that time of the year when most Indians residing in the US are searching for whether and how to file tax returns online. The first question – do you even have to file taxes – is easy. The answer is yes, probably even if you are not a U.S. citizen.

If the government considers you a US tax resident (more on this later), then you have to report all income earned to the IRS and pay taxes. However, that does not automatically mean that your income will be taxable. You’re simply reporting it to the United States government. 

The second question – how to file tax returns – is trickier. So, here’s a cheat sheet that tells you all you need to know about filing returns. 

How to File Tax Returns Online for 2022?

How-to-File-Tax-Returns-Online-for-2022

The tax season begins on Monday, January 24, 2022. From that date, all permanent residents and tax residents can start filing their taxes. Also, even if you aren’t considered a tax resident, it is a smart idea to file them anyway. Why? You might qualify for a tax credit or be able to claim a refund.

Do green cardholders have to pay taxes?

Yes, all green card holders are US tax residents. They need to report all income and pay taxes, whether earned in the US or internationally. You must file tax returns using the IRS Form 1040 by April 15, 2022, even if you haven’t stayed in the US all year.

What about nonimmigrant visa holders?

If you’re in the US on a nonimmigrant visa, you may have to file taxes, depending on whether you’ve passed the Substantial Presence Test (SPT). The test declares that a nonimmigrant visa holder who has spent 31 or more days in the US in the current year is a tax resident. 

You’re also a tax resident if you spend 183 days (calculated using a weight system) in “the current year and the two years immediately before that.”

As green card holders, all nonimmigrant visa holders use IRS Form 1040 to file taxes, and they have to do it by April 15th. The difference is that they only report income earned in the US. No taxes need to be paid for earnings outside the country. 

If you’re not a green card holder or haven’t passed the Substantial Presence Test, this official site lists all the possibilities where you may have to report income. If you’re an H1B visa holder, here’s a complete guide on how to file your taxes.

Have a Basic Understanding of Tax Brackets

Understanding-the-Tax-BracketsUnderstanding-the-Tax-Brackets

The US government uses a progressive tax system, so people with lower taxable income pay fewer taxes, and those with higher income pay more. So, how does the US calculate how much tax you need to pay? By dividing your income into tax brackets. Each bracket has its corresponding tax rate, and for this year, it is: 

  • 37% for individual single taxpayers with incomes over 539,900 ($647,850 for married couples filing jointly).
  • 35%, for incomes over $215,950 ($431,900 for married couples filing jointly).
  • 32% for incomes over $170,050 ($340,100 for married couples filing jointly).
  • 24% for incomes over $89,075 ($178,150 for married couples filing jointly).
  • 22% for incomes over $41,775 ($83,550 for married couples filing jointly).
  • 12% for incomes over $10,275 ($20,550 for married couples filing jointly).
  • 10% for single individuals with incomes of $10,275 or less ($20,550 for married couples filing jointly).

The benefit of a progressive system is that the tax rate does not apply to your entire income, irrespective of which bracket you fall into.

Pick how to file your tax return 

You can file tax returns online, by hand, or hire a tax preparer. Filling out the Form 1040 manually and then emailing it is not a great idea because the process is much, much longer. 

If you expect a refund, filing taxes online is better because the IRS processes e-filed returns faster. There is plenty of tax software that makes it very convenient. 

The third option is to hire someone who provides tax preparation and filing services. You should strongly consider it if you are filing taxes for the first time, have never prepared tax returns using software, or have a complicated revenue stream. Professional guidance is crucial in the last instance. 

Say you have a business that makes your finances complicated, or you also earn through a side gig, then a professional would make it easier to understand which forms are required, what common deductions to factor in, etc. 

Collect all your documents

The last step before you sit down to file your tax returns online is to gather all your documents. You will need an ITIN, which is an individual taxpayer identification number. It’s issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security number (SSN). You will also need to gather all:

  • Proof of income.
  • Proof of taxes already paid.
  • Proof of expenses to get tax credit or deductibles. 

Swing by here for all the documents and forms you’ll need to file your taxes online (or get them done by professionals).

How to File Tax Returns Easily and Without Worry?

Filing taxes is never easy. But it becomes a daunting task the minute you get your provisional (and later permanent) green card. After that, you have to report all your income earned anywhere globally, even if you don’t spend a day in the US throughout the year. 

For tax purposes, the US considers you their resident. It’s also a laborious task for Indians who have just gone to the US and filed their returns for the first time. 

At AOTAX, we help Indians living in the US file their tax returns online. We’ve been doing this for a decade and a half with the help of an expert and qualified professionals. Besides tax preparation and filing services, we also offer tax planning advice, ITIN processing services, and extension filing. The entire process is online, making it effortless for you while ensuring you get the maximum returns possible! With AOTAX, you get to rest assured that your taxes are done right. Sign up and file tax returns online!

Tax Filing for Indian H1B Visa Holders: All You Need to Know

Tax Filing for Indian H1B Visa Holders: All You Need to Know

Living in the US with a working visa comes with its share of challenges, and navigating the legal terrain can be difficult, especially when it comes to something as complex as filing your taxes. For all money earned in the United States, H1-B visa holders are subject to US income tax legislation. But things start to get critical when filing for tax deductions. 

So we’ve created a comprehensive guide to tax filing for Indian H1B visa holders. Read on to learn more about the process and get through it painlessly. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Tax Filing for Indian H1B Visa Holders in the US

Below are some of the most widely asked questions about tax filing for Indian H1B Visa holders in the US: 

Who does this taxation apply to?

You’re a highly-skilled professional from a STEM background and fall under the category of ’alien’. You hold an H1B Visa, have permission to work in America for the next three years, and have an employer sponsoring you. Ahoy! You are now subject to paying taxes on your income at the same rate as any other US citizen or resident. 

However, it’s not quite so simple. To be considered a US resident for tax purposes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) relies on the additional criteria of physical presence in the country to determine whether a migrant in the workforce is liable to file taxes. What is known as the Substantial Presence Test (SPT) is used to determine eligibility and comes into effect on a calendar-year-by-calendar-year basis. 

To pass the test, an individual must have been present in the US for at least:

  • 31 days of the current calendar year and,
  • 183 days over the current year and the two years preceding it. More specifically, this count must include all days in the current year, one-third of the days present in the year before the current year, and one-sixth of the days present two years before the current year.

To illustrate, let’s look at the hypothetical example of Suresh, a software engineer who moved to the US in the year 2019. 

Suresh has been physically present in the US for 180 days during the 2019-2021 period and would need to count 180 days for the current year (say, 2021), 60 days for 2020 (⅓), and 30 days for 2019 (⅙). Totaling up, Suresh has 270 days of physical presence in the US, which is more than the minimum required to qualify as a resident for tax purposes. 

Of course, there are specific guidelines regarding what counts as a day of presence. You can read more about this on the official IRS website.

How much will I be taxed, and which taxes would I have to pay?

How-much-will-I-be-taxed-and-which-taxes-would-I-have-to-pay

H1B taxpayers can expect to lose anywhere from 20% to 40% of their incomes to federal, state, and local taxes, but this depends on income levels and appropriate deductions. These taxes include:

  • Federal Income Tax

The taxes charged on your US income as a nonresident H1B holder depend on marginal brackets that vary as per your income. Although tax values are the same as those for US citizens and residents, H1B nonresidents will not qualify for the deductibles available to citizens. You can find out more about an estimate of your tax bracket here.

  • Medicare and Social Security (FICA)

Roughly 8% of your income will be deducted and paid towards your Medicare (1.45%) and Social Security (6.2%), each of which will be matched by your employer. In addition, employers are liable to pay the same amount on your behalf to the IRS, which secures provisions for pension funds, among others. 

  • State Income Tax

Depending upon the state you live in, the tax you pay could range from 0% to 10% of your income. Some states such as Washington, Texas, and Nevada levy no additional charges, while states like California mandate employers to withhold roughly 7% of employee incomes for taxes.

  • Local Income Tax 

Similar to State Income Taxes, towns and cities may levy additional taxes, and employers could deduct up to 4% of your income for the same.

Am I eligible for any tax benefits?

H1B Visa holders cannot claim the same tax benefits, credits, and exemptions as permanent residents and citizens. 

However, specific provisions allow for entitlement to certain itemized deductions and exemptions based on marital status and whether you have dependents. 

What documents do I need for H1B tax filing?

Preparing the required documentation can be a daunting task, but the general rule of thumb stipulates keeping the following handy:

  • Photo ID.
  • Social Security number.
  • Valid wage documents and earning statements from all employers in the last financial year (form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc).
  • Receipts for relevant deductions.

Documents related to name changes, dependency, and relocation due to marriage for married individuals.Tax Filing for Indian H1B Visa Holders in 2022 – Next Steps and the Road Ahead

Tax Filing for Indian H1B Visa Holders in 2022 – Next Steps and the Road Ahead

Filing-your-taxes-for-2022–next-steps-and-the-road-ahead

Tax season is approaching, and filing doesn’t happen overnight. How should you prepare?

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Take the SPT, and make sure you meet the requirements for days present in the country.

Step 2: Get organized 

Gathering documents and getting them in order takes longer than you think it would. So to make tax filing as seamless a process as possible, make sure you have everything ready to avoid last-minute scrambling. This, of course, means being aware of deadlines and being prepared well in advance.

Step 3: Find professionals who can help you

Taxes are confusing at their best and daunting at their worst – especially for Desis in a foreign land. Getting the best returns possible requires the technical know-how of qualified professionals. And at AOTAX, we’ve been helping our fellow Indians file their taxes in the US for over a decade. 

We offer:

  • Tax planning advisory, return, and preparation services. We also help with extension filing and ITIN and FBAR FATCA processing.
  • Easy access to an online portal, and free sign-up for new customers.

AOTAX can help you analyze and plan your tax filing. Book an advisory appointment here. Sign up now and file your taxes on AOTAX today.