H-1B & NRI Taxation | Global Prime Taxation

Why visa holders need a specialist

Most tax software assumes you're a US citizen. Visa holders face questions it doesn't handle well: Are you a resident or non-resident for tax purposes this year? Do you report your Indian bank interest and rental income? Which foreign accounts have to be disclosed, and on which form? A wrong answer can mean paying too much tax, or penalties for missing a disclosure.

GPT was built serving H-1B professionals and Indian families in the US. Our clients work at companies like Accenture, IBM, Infosys and Oracle, and we understand the tax situations that come with those careers.

What we handle

Residency status

We apply the IRS substantial presence test and any exemptions (for example for F-1 and J-1 years) to decide whether you file as a resident, non-resident or dual-status taxpayer.

Dual-status returns

In your arrival or departure year you may be a non-resident for part of the year and a resident for the rest. We prepare the return correctly or tell you if an election like the first-year choice saves you tax.

Foreign income

US residents are taxed on worldwide income. We report Indian salary, interest, rent and capital gains and claim the foreign tax credit so you aren't taxed twice.

Foreign account reporting

We prepare the FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) when your combined foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any time in the year, and Form 8938 when FATCA thresholds apply.

Tax treaty benefits

We apply the US–India tax treaty and other treaties where they reduce your tax, and file the disclosures that treaty positions require.

Spouses & dependents

We help you file jointly, add a spouse who is a non-resident, and apply for ITINs so dependents can be claimed.

What's included

Residency determination for the tax year, explained in plain language
Federal return (1040, 1040-NR or dual-status) and all required state returns
Reporting of foreign income with the foreign tax credit (Form 1116)
FBAR and Form 8938 foreign asset disclosures
Review of Indian mutual funds and other foreign investments that need special reporting
ITIN applications for a spouse or children, as an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent
Guidance for your final US return if you're moving back to India

How it works

Share your travel history. Tell us your visa type and the dates you were in the US for the last three years.
Upload US and foreign documents. W-2s and 1099s, plus statements for Indian bank accounts, deposits and investments.
Review with your expert. We confirm your filing status and walk you through the estimate and disclosures.
E-sign and file. We e-file your return and file the FBAR with FinCEN.

Moving to or from the US this year? Your arrival or departure year is the most complicated return you'll file. Talk to us before you file, since some choices must be made on the original return.

Frequently asked questions

I'm on an H-1B. Am I a resident or non-resident for tax purposes?

It depends on the number of days you were physically present in the US this year and in the two previous years, not on your visa alone. Most H-1B holders who have been in the US for a full year are treated as residents and file Form 1040. We'll check your exact days.

Do I have to report my bank accounts in India?

If you are a US tax resident and the combined balance of all your foreign accounts was more than $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file an FBAR. You may also need Form 8938. The interest they earn must be reported on your US return either way.

Will I be taxed twice on income earned in India?

Usually not. The foreign tax credit and the US–India tax treaty are designed to prevent double taxation. We claim the credit for Indian taxes you've already paid.

My spouse doesn't have an SSN. Can we file jointly?

Yes, in many cases. Your spouse can apply for an ITIN with your joint return. As a Certifying Acceptance Agent we can verify their passport, so in many cases the original doesn't need to be mailed to the IRS.

Individuals

Businesses

Advisory

Tax filing for H-1B, J-1, L-1 and student visa holders, and NRIs.