This is the first year I'm filing my US taxes. I am reading a lot of conflicting criteria, just wanted to double check my specific scenario.
I moved from Canada to US on July 15th, 2024 (Also earned income in the Canada before that). I intend to stay in the US long term.
I believe as of now I would have to file as a dual-status. However, seems like I can't take advantage of the standard deductions based on my substantial presence test.
When calculating the substantial presence test for 2024 taxes, is the "current' calendar year 2024 or 2025? I see some suggestions where people are saying I can file for an extension, until I meet the 183 days test (I will have 50 days from 2024, 2023), so need 132 days from 2025, so I can file in May.
I think this is called the first-year choice: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/tax-residency-status-first-year-choice
Is this correct? Is there actually any benefit in doing this? I'm trying to maximize my return
