Hello,

My wife and I have lived in Canada since August 2008. She has not filed US tax returns since 2008 and I would like to have them filed prior to our move to the US by late 2011.

I am a little lost on which forms to use. Here is how our current income breaks down.

Wife (USC) - 2008 (US Income), 2009 (CA Income)
Me (CA) - 2008 (CA Income), 2009 (CA Income)

Our incomes separately have never exceeded 15,000 (CAD or USD).

1.I would assume the most quick way to have the taxes filed is to have her file a 2008 & 2009 1040 US tax return and check "married filing separately" each for both?
2.If she checks married filing jointly will I have to submit a itin request?
3.Which form does she require attached to her 2009 income to show her worldwide (canadian) income,
4. Where would I put my income if we file jointly for both 2008, 2009 years?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1) that would be the most quick way for you to file, but probably NOT the best way to file.

2) Yes, by submitting Form W-7 with the FIRST (2008) return.

3) No special form; just add the income (in U.S. dollars) on Line 7 of Form 1040, then use Form 1116 to claim the Foreign Tax Credit OR use Form 2555 to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

4) Same as #3 above.

If you need professional help, email me at [email protected].

Atlanta tax expert,

I cannot see your answer. It just emailed me saying you had answered. Anyway else of contacting you?

Interesting; here it is again. I am also going to PM you.

1) that would be the most quick way for you to file, but probably NOT the best way to file.

2) Yes, by submitting Form W-7 with the FIRST (2008) return.

3) No special form; just add the income (in U.S. dollars) on Line 7 of Form 1040, then use Form 1116 to claim the Foreign Tax Credit OR use Form 2555 to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

4) Same as #3 above.

If you need professional help, email me at [email protected].

Guillesrecinos:

The system says you have chosen NOT to receive Private Messages. If you change that, I can PM you my email address.