Hi Friend,

Thanks for looking into my query. Your help is much appreicated.

I came to US on Jan 2006. I was married but my family didn't came with me (joined w/ me this Feb 2007) and I remember that I filed the W-4 with the marital status MARRIED. Now when I tried to file the tax online (w/ the option MARRIED FILING JOINTLY) it is asking the SSN of my spouse. I understood that my status should be Single not married for last year. Please advice me how to proceed now? I think I need another W-2 (bcoz my current W-2 has the marital staus as Married and filing status as MARRIED FILING JOINTLY). Please let me know the procedure to change the filing status.

Regards
Madan

Madan:

You CANNOT file online.

If you file by yourself, you must file a dual-status return, which will require a Form 1040 with a statement attached about your non-resident alien time. This must be mailed, not efiled. \

If you file jointly (recommended as it produces the best tax benefit), you must submit a Form W-7 to apply for an ITIN for your wife.

You filing status for the W-4 is NOT Relevant, as it only provides a guide to your employer as to how much tax to withheold from your check. It makes no difference on how you file your tax return.


If you need my professional tax help, contact me at [email protected].