Hi,

My spouse from Jamaica and I was just married on 11/7/15. Tax time is approaching and I am confused on how to file taxes. If we file married joint taxes they will look at the world wide income. Will we be able to file for an foreign earned income exclusion to avoid them using his taxes from Jamaica?

You are correct about world-wide income.

However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) dictates that your spouse be OUTSIDE of the United States for 330 of the 365 days in 2015.

Another option is to use the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) for taxes paid in Jamaica.

If this is NOT an option, the third alternative is to file Married Filing Separately, but claim your spouse's exemption since he/she is probably NOT obligated to file and has no use for his/her exemption.

If you need professional help, contact me at the email address in my profile.