Hi,

I was in US - California from Oct 30 2005 to Dec 25 2005. For this period, I have W2 from my empoloyer. Now again back in US - Iowa in Feb 10, 2006 and will be here for another 6months. I am married, no children and my wife is in India and will be joining me only in May or June 2006. I got married in 2004 in India.

I have gone through the posts in this form... still I am not very clear... please help me...

This is my first W2 from from my employer and I will be filing returns first time.

As I am married and my wife is not working is it OK to select Married filing jointly ?

As I figured out now only, I need to apply for Extension form 4868. But in the Extension form also they are asking for SSN for wife ? Is it OK to ignore SSN for wife and submit the form ?

For my wife I need to apply W7 form... As my wife is in India can I get the W7 from signed from her and Attested by a Notary in India and can I apply that W7 form here in US ?

I think I need not to pay any taxes, I need to get some $$$ refund.

Thanks,
Babu.

Babu:

Yes, you can file jointly with your wife. Filing an extension (Form 4868) and waiting for your wife to join you seems to be the best option because mailing the W-7 and tax return back and forth to India will take too long.

Get on www.taxact.com and prepare the return with your wife (using a made-up SSN) to see if you owe taxes. If you owe taxes, write a check for the amount owed; put your SSN on the check and mail it with the Form 4868. If not, then just file the Form 4868. In either case, put the words "APPLIED FOR" where your wife's SSN/ITIN will go.

Thanks Atlanta Tax Expert.
Babu.

Glad to help!

Hi ATE,

One more clarification required... During my stay in California in 2005, from Oct 30 to Dec 25th... my wife was not with me in California.. US... Is it OK to file jointly ?

Thanks,
Babu.

Babu:

Yes, your wife can virtually anywhere in the world, and you will be able to file jointly.

Hi ATE,

Thanks u very much again...

Babu.

Glad to help again.