2024 Tax Returns with visa change and non-resident alien to resident alien change

[uzair1990]

Hello, 

In August 2024, I completed my 5 years of being in the US. I was on F1 status at that time. My status changed to H1B in October.

Do I need to file multiple tax returns based on my visa status?

Please advise

[pk]

@uzair1990 , 

(a) which country are you from ?

(b) when did you enter this country with F-1 ?

(c) were you on OPT during 2024 ?     This EAD was  with an extension of your F-1  or what ?

Generally the five calendar years of exempt status  just exempt status just stops of counting days present.   Thus if you status   ( F-1  to H-1B ) changed before  end of  exempt completion, then for that  calendar year you may still be  NRA because you  may not pass the SPT ( Substantial Presence  Test ).   Therefore my questions.

Please answer my questions.   I will circle back once I hear from you 

[uzair1990]

@pk 

Hi, thanks for your response. 

a) I am from Pakistan.

b) I entered in Aug 2019.

c) Throughout 2024, I was on CPT. My OPT EAD (1 + 2 years STEM OPT) ended in October 2023. I enrolled in a university that allowed me continuing working for my employer on CPT. 

Also I believe I became a resident alien in Aug 2024 because my employer started withholding the social security and Medicare taxes from that month.

[pk]

@uzair1990 , Salam Aliqum.   Sukrya for all the answers

1. Based on your answers above,  your  exempt status   came to an end   at the end of  2023.  Thus for 2024 you are a Resident For Tax purposes.   So there is no change in  your  tax status  ( Resident )  based on the immigration status change  ( F-1 to H1-B ).

The withholding of FICA is because you  changed from OPT/CPT to an employee.

IS there more I can do for you ?   Did I forget to answer something ?

Where in Pakistan are you from  ( Karachi ? ) ?

pk

[uzair1990]

@pk 

Thanks so much. That answers my question. 

I am from Lahore.