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-   -   Claiming my wife as Dependent (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=191431)

  • Mar 5, 2008, 01:55 PM
    nirav
    Claiming my wife as Dependent
    I would like to know, that can I claim my wife as Dependent, she is a
    Canadian citizen and she does not have a U.S. (SSN). She visits me
    Every 2 months and if I round up all her visits she has stayed with me
    More than 6 months, so can I claim her by applying for ITIN?

    I have also applied for her visa and if I claim her will there be a
    Problem in getting her a visa?

    Thanks...
  • Mar 5, 2008, 02:18 PM
    topladyj
    I don't think you can claim her. You can't even file because she has no ss#. And as long as she is of age over 18 you cannot claim her. Sorry!
  • Apr 23, 2008, 10:56 AM
    AtlantaTaxExpert
    Actually, that is NOT quite true.

    You cannot claim her as a DEPENDENT, BUT YOU can file jointly with her and claim her exemption as a co-filer. Her physical location is irrelevant when it comes to filing jointly.

    The potential downside is the requirement for her to declare ALL of her 2007 world-wide income on the U.S. tax return.

    Alternatively, you can file Married Filing Separately and claim your wife's exemption IF she has NO U.S.-sourced income. She does NOT need a SSN or ITIN for such a return. You just list her name and put "non-resident alien" where her SSN would go. Such a return must be mailed; it cannot be filed electronically, AND you need to provide proof of the marriage.

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