Hi-

I am on L1A visa and my spouse is on L2 (dependent visa). Let's say I process her L2 work authorization and she starts working (which gets her issued SSN) and our individual status per Substantial presence test works out as Resident Alien. My queries are as below -

Can I claim the same standard deduction for the spouse who's working on L2 visa , as I would if when she was not working?

I believe my tax filing status would be "Married Filing Jointly". Does my wife also needs to file return on her income separately, while I claim tax exemption for her in my return? Kindly let know her tax filing status.

Pl. advise.

Cheers!

AtlantaTaxExpert

You may or may not be able to file as a resident alien. If you file jointly with your wife, you will BOTH file as resident aliens and BOTH of your salaries will be combined and taxed as one.

You will each be able to claim a $3,400 personal exemption, plus your standard deduction will DOUBLE to $10,600.

If you file jointly, your wife will NOT have to file her own return.