Hi

I am working in CA in H1B Visa and I was present in US for complete 2007. My wife and son joined me in August 2007 and retuned to India in January 2008(They were holding H4 Visa and son is just 1.4 months old). Both of them has not applied for any ITIN during the stay here

1. Can I file the tax jointly without having a SSN or ITIN for my dependents

2. If TIN is madatory to get the tax benefits,Can I apply ITIN for them even if they are not in US now

3. Is it possible to apply ITIN for them along with tax submission for 2007(when wife is not in US)

4. Is there any other workaround to avail tax benefits



Thanks in advance
SB

1) Yes, but only if you apply for ITINs for your wife and child.

2) Yes.

3) Yes, but you will have to send the W-7 and the tax return to her in India for her to sign. A lengthy process, but it can be done.

4) No.