Dear AtlantaTaxExpert,

Your answers to subject "Tourist Visa ITIN/Dependent" helped me a lot but I have few following additional questions, which if can be answered will be a great help to me:

1. My parents and sister stayed with me in US during 2010 for 1 month. I came to know that there is minimum duration of 6 months if we want to ask for tax benefits. Is it true ?

2. My parents are in India and have original passport with them but I do have the scans. I believe, notary in US will need the original passport to notarize any photocopy... Isn't it ?

3. I have already filed my tax for 2010 and planning to file for amendments. Can you please help me understand the process and required documents?

Thank you very much for your help in advance!

Niks

1) Yes, that is true if your parents and sister are from outside of the U.S.

2) Yes; the notary is certifying that the photocopy is a true copy of the passport, and he cannot do that unless he can see the actual passport.

3) Generally, the amendments are done with Form 1040X.

WHY exactly are you amending?