Sai Sankar
H‑1B Lottery Ends: Wage‑Based Selection to Favor Highest Salaries
On August 14, 2025, the White House approved a rule replacing the H-1B lottery with wage-based rankings. DHS…
Workers’ Compensation and Injury Payments: What Is Tax‑Exempt
Updated August 16, 2025: Workers’ compensation, compensatory damages for physical injury, and qualifying life insurance proceeds are generally…
2023 Foreign Earned Income and Housing Exclusions: Rules and Limits
Americans abroad can exclude up to $120,000 (2023) of foreign earned income using Form 2555 if they have…
Overview of 529 Qualified Tuition Programs and Tax Treatment
529 plans (QTPs) provide tax-free growth and tax-free distributions for qualified education expenses; K–12 tuition cap is $10,000…
Tax Rules for Scholarships, Fellowships, and Education Benefits Explained
You can exclude qualified scholarships, bond interest, and Coverdell ESA distributions when used for tuition and required fees.…
Guide to Employer-Provided Fringe Benefits: What Is Excludable from Income
Fringe benefits can be excluded or taxable based on specific IRS rules. Key exclusions: employer health plans, Archer…
Tax Exclusion Rules for Service-Connected Military and Government Pensions
Learn when military and government disability pensions are tax-free federally, who qualifies, and required proof. Key points: 1975…
QPRI Exclusion Continues Through 2025; $750K/$375K Limits Apply
QPRI permits excluding forgiven mortgage debt used to buy, build, or substantially improve your principal residence for discharges…
Section 121 Home Sale Exclusion: Ownership, Use, and Limits Explained
Section 121 lets sellers exclude up to $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (joint) of gain on a main home…
Depreciation Recapture Reduces Section 121 Exclusion on Home Sale
In 2025, Section 121 permits exclusion of up to $250,000 ($500,000 married) if you owned and lived in…
Comprehensive List of Income Exclusions and Tax-Free Items Explained
Immigrants filing U.S. taxes can reduce taxable income using exclusions: tax-exempt municipal bond interest, up to $250,000/$500,000 home…
Indian H‑1B Holder Describes Swift Jamaica Visa Renewal Experience
An H‑1B worker traveled to Jamaica July 27–August 2, 2025, found open interview slots via usvisaslots.app, submitted DS‑160…
U.S. Imposes 25% India-Specific Tariff, Effective Aug 27, 2025
The U.S. announced August 2025 tariffs adding a 25% India duty plus a 10% baseline, with +50% metals…
India Tightens OCI Rules: Convictions of 2+ Years Can Trigger Revocation
India’s August 11–13, 2025 notification adds clause (da) to Section 7D, allowing OCI cancellation for convictions of two+…
H-1B Overhaul: Mandatory Consulate Interviews Threaten Silicon Valley Hiring
On September 2, 2025, the State Department eliminates most Dropbox waivers for H, L, O, F, J, and…