Hi AtlantaTaxExpert,

I am on H1-B and I am filing join tax retrun along with my wife who is on H-4. I will be applying for ITIN while filing Federal returns. I have been told that I need to wait for ITIN to be able to file State returns. Can you please tell me wats the rule for Local returns? Do I need to wait for ITIN for my wife before filing Local (Philadelphia) returns?

Also, with economic stimulus plan in the air - I have a question. Given the fact that I am on H-1 (with SSN) and my wife on H-4 (without SSN), do you think I'll be eligible for tax rebate? If yes then how much?

Yes, you can file your State tax return only after you get ITIN. In the meanwhile you can apply for extension to file.

For stimulus tax rebate, on a joint return, both spouses must have SSN.
For more information on the eligibility read: Your U.S. Tax Return: Are You Eligible for 2008 Stimulus Tax Rebate Payment? (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/02/are-you-eligible.html)