Hi

I am married and have a 6 month baby all residing in the US. ll be completing my opt in sept 07 and starting my H1 b this oct. Since currently i am on OPT i dont pay SS and Medi taxes. is it a good idea to tell my employer to withhold these taxes starting this oct?


Also, your help will be appreciated if you can let me know what is prudent to do while filing return for FY 2007. should i file a joint return? Also my wife doesnt have a SS# or any tax ID? Please advise what to do in this situation.

finally, it would be great if you can give me tips to save taxes on H1B since this will be the first time I ll be filing H1 return. (if you cannot list all the tips, atleast copy the link where i can find the tips)

many thanks

Your employer should KNOW to begin withholding SS and Medicare taxes once your H-1B begins.

You should file jointly with your wife and BOTH choose to be treated as resident aliens. You will have to apply for an ITIN for your wife using Form W-7.

By filing jointly, you can deduct education expenses paid in 2007.

thanks for your instant reply.

can you also tell me when can i apply for my wife's ITIN? can i apply right away using W7?

Also, to file my return for fy 2007 please let me know what forms i ll need. I am aware that i ll need Form 1040. is there any other form i need to include with my return?

Thanks

You need a specific reason WHY she needs an ITIN in order to apply without a tax return.

If you file jointly with your wife, you will file Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.