Hi,

I have couple of question on Dependent filling, please help me in understanding.

1. I came to US on March'07. My spouse and kid joined me on May'07. My wife & kid will be staying for 6 month and then leaving back to India. Can I change my W4 status to Married and get the tax benefits on spouse and child tax credit.
2. Since my wife is not working. She came here on L2 visa. When should I get her ITIN.
3. I am not sure, but FAQ says that ITIN should be applied when I will do my returns filing for Yr 2007. But when I do e file, for filing status Married filing jointly, it ask for my spouse and kid SSN. How should I then proceed with e filing without ITIN or SSN. How I can complete my e filing and send to IRS along with W7. I am confused on this process
4. What reason should I use for my spouse and kid while filing W7 form. Since I am frequently travelling US on L1 visa since July'06, but my wife and kid joined me from May'07 onward.
- Dependent / Spouse of a nonresident alien holding a US visa?

5. If I am in India during tax filing, can I notorize my wife and kid passport photocopy in India for W7


Thanks in advance for your valuable response,

Prakash

AtlantaTaxExpert

1) If you file jointly with your wife, you should be able to claim BOTH of their exemptions and qualify for the Child Tax Credit.

2) You will submit Forms W-7 with your 2007 tax return for ITINs for both wife and child.

3) You CANNOT efile; it must be mailed with the W-7s.

4) Option e: Spouse of resident alien, and Option f: Dependent of resident alien.

5) Yes, though it is best if you can get the passport photocopies certified at the U.S. consulate.