Hi all,

Here is my situation. I am on H1-B visa for the entire year 2012. My wife was on H4 visa from January through August this year. In August she changed her status to F-1 visa and will be on it until the end of this year. In this situation, can I claim her as a dependent on my taxes and file jointly? Any suggestions regarding lessening my tax burden would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Yes, you CAN file jointly, but she is NOT your dependent, she is your co-filer.

She must sign a statement (submitted with the return) that she chooses to be treated as a resident alien.

She still retains her exemption from FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes even if she files jointly with you.

Thank you AtlantaTaxExpert. In this case, would it be possible for me to get any education expenses (tuition etc. which I incurred on my wife's education) related tax benefits? Thanks again.

Yes, you are authorized the same credits and deductions that a U.S. citizen can get.