Originally Posted by
AtlantaTaxExpert
Sumit:
You CAN file jointly with your wife as residents for 2009, using the 31 December 2009 default termination date, proviuded you claim your 2009 Indian income on the 2009 return.
OR
You can file dual-status by yourself, claim your wife and child as dependents.
In either case, you can claim the $1,000 Child Tax Credit because your child is, by law, a U.S. citizen.
In either case, you MUST submit a Residency Termination Letter to the IRS (mailed to the Austin, Texas IRS Center). The contents of that letter is specified on page 10 of IRS Pub 519.