Hi,

I came to US on L1B visa in Aug 2010. My wife and 2 yr child is on L2. I have SSN; but wife and child does not. For applying for SSN, here is what I found:
1. Wife needs Marriage certificate, which is back in India.
2. For child, SSN office asked for EAD. (Yes, for 2 yr old kid!) which has unnecessary cost associated.

Here are my questions:
1. My wife does not work and is dependent on me. I think it would save tax if we file jointly? Right?
2. Do they(Wife and Child) need SSN or is it OK if we apply for ITIN for both of them.
3. Do I need to prepare, have any docs for dependents before I get ready to file tax return in which is in Feb 11 - Apr 11 I think.

Thanks!

1) Yes, that is correct.

2) You can submit Form W-7 with the tax return to apply for ITINs for both of them.

3) You need to submit notarized photocopies of bith the passport and visa page of the passports with the Form W-7. The notarization can be done at any local bank in the U.S. except in California. In California, get it done at a local IRS office.

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Glad to help!

I recently heard notarization is not needed any more for the documents you mentioned. Is it true?

Only follow the instructions on W-7.

No, that is NOT correct. In fact, if the documents come from a Third World country, the passport photocopy not only needs to be notarized, but you must get an apostille from the government to certify that the passport is authentic.