Hi,

My wife changed her Visa status from H4 to H1 in Oct 2006. However, as she did not get a project, her employer did not give her any salary. Hence, neither the employer nor she paid any taxes. So, should she file her tax returns? If so, how can she file as there is no salary/W2. Please help..

Another question is, when I file my tax returns, how should I consider her change in the Visa status? She was my dependent until Sep2006. As she changed to H1 in Oct 2006, will that affect my tax return filing? Please help...

Thanks,
Ravi.

AtlantaTaxExpert

Ravi:

How long have you been in the U.S.? Under what visa?

ravinvs

I've been in US since May 2005 on H1-B.

AtlantaTaxExpert

You can file jointly with your wife, filing Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.

She is filing as the non-resident alien spouse of a resident alien (you).

ravinvs

So, I presume you are saying that my wife need not file taxes for Oct-Dec 2006 and I can include her as my dependent while I am filing my tax returns for Jan-Dec 2006.
Am I right?

AtlantaTaxExpert

She can file jointly with you whether she has an income or not.

BTW, U.S. taxes are filed on the normal 1 January to 31 December calendar year.