Hi,

I was working for the entire year of 2007 on a H1-B visa and got married in November 2007. My wife could not join me here during 2007 and will only be here in May 2008.
1. What should be my status while filing for my 2007 tax return?
2. Can I apply for an ITIN number for my wife while she is in India?
3. If I apply for an extension what should I enter under my wife's SSN?

Greatly appreciate any help on this!

Thanks,
Prasan.

1. You can file resident tax return as Married Filing Jointly.
2. Yes. Attach W7 with your tax return.
3. Why do you want to apply for extension. You can file your tax return even now. You attach W7 with your tax return.
Still if you want to apply for extension, just enter your own name and SSN.

I agree. IRS Federal allows W-7 to be submitted along with the return for nonresident alien spouse.

Thanks Mukuta and Pagalasa for your replies.

I am now clear on the first point, however I am still not sure how to apply for the ITIN while my wife is in India. The W7 mentions that I need supporting documents like a notorized copy of her passport, should I ask her to get it notorized in India and send me a copy?
This is the reason I wanted to file for an extension and wait for her to get here before doing my taxes.
Also, is it necessary to file for an extension when I do not actually owe any taxes but am owed a refund by the IRS?

Thanks again,
Prasan.

No extension is required if you do not owe any taxes or expecting a refund. If you want more detail questions answers as to what document, where to notorize, who to sign, etc, send me a private message with your questions.