Hi,

I am on H1B since Jan 2004, worked (the whole of last year 2006 )and continuing the work here. My wife and 3 yr old child got H4 visa in India and travelled and have started to live with me here from July2006 till date. She can't have SSN.. and when I go to claim them as Dependents, the software asks their SSN numbers. What is the way out? What should be my filing status.. How can I claim them as dependents to get some benefits?
The previous tax returns I used t file as "single with no dependents"... but now they are here in US. WHat should I be doing? Some guidance please from senior members who have gone theu similar phases... Thanks in Advance----osathire

Osathire:

You need to file Form W-7 WITH the tax return to get ITINs for your wife and child.

You MAY be able to do this at the local IRS office. Call first to find out.

If not, then prepare the Form W-7 with a notarized photocopy of their passports (which is stapled to the W-7), then paper clip both documents to the tax return, which is mailed to the address in the W-7 instructions.