How to file tax return

Much depends on your VISA status, your home country, and your date of entry into the U.S.

Provide that information and I can give you guidance.

Thank you Atlanta Tax Expert: I have an H1 working visa.. started working November 2008.. arrived here on October 20, 2008. My wife carries an H4 working visa.. she arrived here in the states aug. 28 2008 and does not have any income here in the US... we came from the philippines... she did not have any income back in the philippines too... we got married feb. 2009. I do not even know my filing status... married filing separately, married filing jointly.. tnx

You can file jointly with your wife and you both CHOSE to be treated as resident aliens. This will allow you to claim the $11,400 joint standard deduction plus two $3,650 personal exemption (for yourself and your wife).

You will need to submit Form W-7 to apply for an ITIN for your wife. A notarized photocopy of her passport needs to be stapled to the W-7. You can get the photocopy notarized at any local bank or, failing that, at your local IRS office.

If you want professional help doing this, email me at [email protected].