HI, I am tax exempt from U.S. taxes for up to 2 years with my J1 visa. I am from Germany. I married an American this year.

With married filing separately, she is severely tax disadvantaged (compared to filing single, which she can no longer file). But if we are married filing jointly, how do I make sure they do not tax me on my income given my J1 tax exemption status?

Thanks!

Are you a J1 researcher?

If you elect to file jointly, you must include your worldwide income on the U.S. tax return.

I agree with IntlTax, but to be sure, I need to know your EXACT date of entry into the U.S. on your current J-1 visa.