Hi,

I got married late last year, 2008. My spouse is not in the United States and I am on a H1-B. He may join me in the US on a H4 visa later this year.

How do I update the form W-4, given that my spouse is not in the US?

Also, for filing the income tax returns for 2008, do I need claim any exemptions given that I got married at the end of 2008?

Thanks,

P.

For 2008 you can file resident tax return as Married Filing Jointly even when your spouse has never been to the US

You will get standard deduction of $10,900 and exemptions for both of you.
You must both declare your worldwide income for 2008. If you have any foreign income, and on that income you paid taxes in the foreign country, then you can claim foreign tax credit (Form 1116) or you can use Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555).

You will complete forms W7 (application for ITIN) for your spouse and attach with your tax return.
Read about H1-B tax filing: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/08/us-visas.html)