I did check with them initially, but they only provide general guidance and specifically said they can't give tax advice. They did offer Glacier Tax Prep software, but it doesn't seem sophisticated enough to handle my specific situation with the transition from non-resident to resident status mid-year and the First-year election option. They basically just handed me some IRS publications and wished me luck.

That's disappointing but unfortunately common. Many university international offices are worried about liability so they avoid giving specific tax advice. Glacier is okay for simple cases but you're right that it struggles with complex situations like yours. Since you're in Minnesota, you might want to check if they have a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program with volunteers trained in non-resident taxation. Some university law schools also have tax clinics that can help international scholars. Otherwise, it might be worth consulting with a tax professional who specializes in international taxation, especially since this is a transition year that will affect how you file going forward.

Not quite right. The exemption for J1 research scholars means those days don't count toward SPT, but the calculation is a bit more nuanced. Once you hit your 3rd year, you start counting days, but the lookback period still applies - it's just that the previous years contribute 0 days because they were exempt. The IRS has a calculator on their website that helps with this determination. The main thing to remember is that the transition typically happens around day 183 of your third calendar year in the US (assuming continuous presence).

You're right about the nuance - I oversimplified. The exempt days from previous years are treated as if you weren't present in the US for those days. So in the SPT calculation, those days contribute 0 to the formula. So for someone who entered in January 2022, was present all of 2022 and 2023, but those days were exempt, then in 2024 they'd need to accumulate 183 actual physical presence days to meet the SPT threshold. This is why most J1 research scholars transition to resident status in early July of their third year. The IRS calculator is definitely helpful, but it's important to indicate your exempt status for those previous years when using it.

Most state forms require your federal AGI and some calculations from your federal return, right? Do you just copy those numbers over from your federal return? I've always been confused about that part.

Exactly right! You'll need your completed federal return in front of you. Most state forms start with your federal AGI (Adjusted Gross Income), then make state-specific adjustments from there. You literally just copy numbers from specific lines on your federal return. The state instructions will tell you exactly which federal form lines to reference. For example, it might say "Enter amount from Federal Form 1040, Line 11." Some states also have "adjustments" that add or subtract certain items that are taxed differently at the state level. But overall, if you have your federal return completed, you've already done the hard part!

Good point, but unfortunately I'm in a state that definitely requires filing. I wish I was in one of those no-income-tax states! Maybe someday I'll move lol.

Don't forget that some states with no income tax hammer you in other ways like high property taxes or sales tax. Texas property taxes are brutal! No free lunch when it comes to taxes.

Thank you! That's super helpful about being specific with the description. Would "Professional Photography and Videography Services" be too long for that field? And for Part IV vehicle expenses - I've been tracking my mileage to photo shoots. Is there a minimum amount of business miles before it's worth claiming?

Professional Photography and Videography" Services is a perfect description -'it s clear and specific without being too long. The character limit gives you plenty of room for that.'There s no minimum threshold for claiming mileage expenses - if'you ve legitimately used your vehicle for business purposes, you can claim those miles. Even small amounts add up to deductions that save you money. Just make sure you have a mileage log with dates, destinations, purpose, and miles driven. The standard mileage rate for 2024 is 67 cents per mile, so those trips to photo shoots could add up to a significantdeduction.

But be careful with home office deduction. I heard it's a big audit trigger. Is it really worth the risk?

I've checked all my mail thoroughly and asked about electronic options too. They definitely haven't sent it either way. From what I've gathered talking to ex-coworkers, they're behind on their payroll administration for everyone, not just me. Just trying to figure out my options since they're being so difficult about it.

This is good advice! I work in HR and employers definitely don't want the Department of Labor breathing down their necks. Mention the potential for penalties and they'll usually prioritize getting your W-2 out.

Does this actually work? Seems like it might flag an audit if your deductions fluctuate wildly from year to year. Has anyone actually tried this strategy successfully?

Yes, this absolutely works and is a completely legitimate tax strategy. The IRS doesn't flag you for audit simply because your deduction method changes year to year - millions of taxpayers switch between standard and itemized deductions regularly based on their financial circumstances. Bunching deductions is a recognized tax planning strategy discussed by CPAs and financial advisors. It works particularly well for charitable contributions because you have control over the timing. Many charities are even familiar with this strategy and can help you set up your donations appropriately. Just make sure you keep proper documentation for the years you itemize.

This is an excellent point that gets overlooked! I live in California and we can itemize on our state return even if we take the standard deduction on federal. Saved me about $400 last year by doing standard federally and itemized on state. OP should definitely check their state's rules. It's not always an either/or situation between the two returns.