Hi. I was on F-1 status from Jan 2006 - May 2006. From May 2006 to Dec 2006 was on OPT. Got H1 starting on dec 1. I am married and my wife was my dependent till Oct 2006, when she got her H1 approval.

Earning status

Myself
--------
F-1 ~ $5200
OPT + H1 ~ $17000

Spouse
--------
Complete year $0 earned.

How do I file my taxes?

Thanks!!

You can file as a non-resident alien. Depending on your country of origin, you may or may not be able to claim your wife as a dependent.

However, it would be much more advantageous if you filed jointly and chose to be treated as resident aliens for all for 2006. The process is spelled outin IRS Pub 519 on pages 9-11.

If you need professional help doing ANY of this, email me at [email protected].

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AtlantaTaxExpert

You can file as a non-resident alien. Depending on your country of origin, you may or may not be able to claim your wife as a dependent.

However, it would be much more advantageous if you filed jointly and chose to be treated as resident aliens for all fo 2006. The process is spelled outin IRS Pub 519 on pages 9-11.

If you need professional help doing ANY of this, email me at [email protected].

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But my wife did not have any earnings for the year 2006. Can I claim her to be my dependent.

What country did you come from?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AtlantaTaxExpert

What country did you come from?

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We are from INDIA

Yes, you CAN claim her as a dependent.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AtlantaTaxExpert

Yes, you CAN claim her as a dependent.

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So which way is best...

1) file jointly as resident aliens and use the standard deductions

$10300 std deduction
$3300 * 2 exception (myself + spouse)

Or

2) file only my tax return and claim my wife as a dependent.

Small confusion with form 1040. Line 6a for myself. 6b for my wife. Can I put her in line 6c also as a dependent...


Please advice.

If you claim her as a dependent, you must do it on Form 1040NR, NOT Form 1040.

If you file jointly (which is probably the BEST way to file), you use Form 1040.