mrnd23
Mar 13, 2011, 04:41 PM
I have been in US since aug 05 on f1 and I got my H1b visa in oct 08. I filed 1040 for 2009 as a resident alien. My wife has been in US from aug 09 on F1 visa. We got married dec 2010. She did not have any income in 09 so did not file taxes. However she received a 1098T from her school for 2009.
This year however she has not received 1098 so I do not know if I can claim an education tax benefit since I paid for her tuition. I did not claim any benefits for 2009 because she was nt my dependent or wife. Should her school issue her a 1098 for this year too? She does has income for 2010.
Is filing jointly the best way to go? What special forms do I need for her since she is a non resident alien, if we file joint as I am resident alien.
Thanks for your help.