I have problem to figure out the dual status return.

Husband was in US the entire 2010, left US on 3/7/11. Wife was not in US during 2011. Wife had $45,000 income from Japan.

I have several questions on the situatin.

1. Can I or should I use 2555 form to exclude wife's income?

2. Can the husband's dual status return include wife as a dependent?

Your help is really appreciated.

Assuming the husband is filing the return AND had a work visa, dual-status is NOT the appropriate return. He should be filing as a resident,

The husband probably should file JOINTLY with the wife, filing Form 1040 with Form 2555 to exclude the wife's income.

The alternative is for him to file Married Filing Separately and claim the wife's exemption, but the joint return likely is the best course of action tax-wise.