Hello Members,
Can you please throw some light on my tax situation


My Status forfull year 2009 is H1 Visa

Came to US in July 06 on F1, and started H1 on since Oct 2008.


Hence:
Year 2009- stayed on H1 Status
Dec 10,2009- got married

My Wife is in India and plans to join me in around April as H1 Dependent ( Maybe before April 15 or after). She doesnot have tax number nor ssn.


Should I file as Single or Married? Which has more deductions?

My W4 states "SINGLE" .So do I need to ask my company to make a change to W4 to Married? Or it is OK?


Can anyone please guide

Thanks

You will file jointly with your wife and submit Form W-7 with your tax returnto apply for her ITIN. You should wait until she joins you to file because, as a joint file, SHE must sign the return and the Form w-7.

As for the W-4, you can keep it at SINGLE or change it to MARRIED with TWO allowances.

You can file joint return as residents. You must both report your worldwide income on the tax return. If you (or your spouse) paid any taxes in India, you will file Form 1116 Foreign Tax credit or/and Form 2555 Earned Income Exclusion.