Hi,

I am having valid L1 visa, I came to USA alone on 21 Sept, 2011 and was here till 1st Oct,2011. I want to file for tax refund for that duration. So what shall I show that I can get maximum refund.

Now again I have come to USA 1st Feb, 2012 with my family (with my wife and kid with L2 visa). I have forgot to bring original marriage certificate as well as forgot to bring original of my daughter's birth certificate. So they are not having SSN and ITIN. What shall I do to get maximum rebate in TAX.
Please also let me know what shall I do to get the SSN for my wife as original are locked in my India home. I have photocopies of the original marriage cerificate and my daughter's birth certificate.

Please guide me.

Thanks and Regards

For 2011, you must file nonresident tax return. You can not file joint return and claim your kid.
On nonresident tax return, you get itemized deducton. You can claim travel, lodging and meals during your stay in U.S. Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/08/us-visas.html)

For 2011, you were here for ONLY 11 days. Unless you make a MASSIVE salary, you can file FGorm 1040NR-EZ and get ALL withheld federal income and state taxes back because your personal exemption will completely offset your income earned in the United States.

When it comes time to file your 2012 return in January, 2013, you can use your wife's and child's PASSPORT to apply for an ITIN using Form w-7.