To AtlantaTaxExpert,

I am on H1B and resident alien. I got married in Feb09. My wife is on H4 (no income).

Do I need to fill Form 1040 for me and Form 1040NR for my wife?
You mentioned about filling same form 1040 for both (in topic " Tax- Filing jointly with my wife on H4") How could this be possible?

I would specially like to know as I can get Economic Recovery Payment if we both fill 1040. Economic Recovery Payment cannot be claimed if 1040NR is used.

To summarize,
Can I fill 1040 for both of us (filing jointly)?
If so, can I claim Economic Recovery Payment (make work pay)?

Please guide me. Thanks in advance.

File joint return as residents. Attach W-7 (ITIN application) for your spouse. Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas
You will also get Making Work Pay Credit of $800.