Hello,
I moved to US in 2010 and last year my tax return filing status was Non Resident Alien. For 2011 I am Resident Alien for tax purpose and my filing status will be “Married Filing Jointly”. At this point my wife and two kids do have neither SSN nor ITIN. They are supposed to apply for ITIN via the W7 form. The instruction for the W7 says that it needs to be submitted together with the tax return.
What is not clear to me is whether I should fill the 1040 form as if my wife and children already had ITIN and attach the W7 forms, or I need to fill the 1040 and other relevant forms without their info and later amend the tax return.
Does anybody know what the correct way of proceeding should be?
Thanks a lot,
Gianni

Gianni:

You can file jointly with your wife and she will choose to be treated as resident aliens. This will allow you to claim the $11,600 joint standard deduction plus two $3,700 personal exemptions (for yourself and your wife) PLUS two more exemption for your children PLUS $2,000 in Child Tax Credits.

To apply for an ITIN, you need to complete Forms W-7 for your wife and both children. You need to make a photocopy of each passport, then get the photocopy notarized. This can be done at your local bank in most states in the U.S.

You complete the Form 1040 with your wife and childrens' names on the Form 1040, but leaving the SSn area blank. The IRS will insert the ITINs when they are issued.

If you want my professional help, double-click on my title above and scroll down to my profile/signature. You will find my email address and websites there.

Thanks a lot for the prompt reply, really clear.

Glad to help!