Hi,

I am a resident alien for tax purposes (H1) any my spouse has a H4 visa. She has been in the US since Feb 2006. I would like to file my returns for 2006 as 'Married filing jointly'

I have seen many threads in this forum about obtaining ITINs. I understand that I can apply for the ITIN and file the federal returns concurrently (send both W7 and 1040 to Philadelphia).



My questions:

a) Is the ITIN required for filing state returns (IL)? When do I file the state returns?

b) We are going back to our home country (for good) in Feb 2006. How do I receive the correspondence from IRS about the ITIN?

c) Since we are leaving for good, does it make sense to apply for an ITIN? Are there other options for filing returns without an ITIN and still get the same benefits of 'Married Filing jointly'?

Thanks

Kasi:

This posting is identical to the e-mail you sent me, which has been answered.