Hello,
I came to US in Jan 2010 and working here in US on F1 Visa(OPT) since Feb 2012. I got married in Sept 2012 and wife came to US in Nov 2012.

I have few questions regarding filing tax returns:

1. Should I file jointly with my wife(F2 visa holder) showing her as a dependent?
2. If YES, can I file tax return and at the same time apply for ITIN no.(W7 Form). - that's what one of the tax consultant suggested.
3. Can I file as, "single" for 2012 tax return and may be file jointly next year?
4. What are the benefits of showing my wife as a dependent on tax returns?

I would really appreciate if I get answers to these questions as I am really confused.

Thanks.

The KEY to answering your questions is your HOME COUNTRY?

You are from...

I am sorry to not mention my home country.
We both are from India.

You CANNOT file jointly; that is NOT an option for non-resident aliens, which are what international students under the F-1 visa are considered to be.

You CAN claim your wife as a dependent under the U.S.-India Tax treaty. You will need to submit the Form W-7 with Forms 1040NR and 8843.

You will continue to file this way until you exceed five years incountry, which will be in 2015.

By claiming your wife as a dependent, you get an extra $3,800 deduction on your tax return.

If you believe that you will need professional help filing this year, this IS what I do. Please double-click on my name (Atlanta Tax Expert) above to access my profile. You will find my email address in the signature portion of the profile (scroll down to the BOTTOM of the page).

So when you say, "you get an extra $3,800 deduction on return", do you mean that the amount $3,800 is a fixed amount & that I'll get that amount on my return if I file this year by claiming my wife as a dependent?

The $3,800 represents your wife's personal exemption, which is added to your own $3,800 personal exemption and entered at $7,600 on Line #40 of Form 1040NR.

Hi ,
My name is Ajay Sharma . I am also an international student. Came to US in July 2009. Started working on OPT from Feb 2012 ( same like you mentioned above). I also got married in September 2012 (india). My wife came here in US on F2 visa in Nov, 2012. We both are from India.

I need help filling the taxes. Really confused what to do. Read so many blogs.

Did you find any help in this matter. Will really appreciate your help.

Here is my email id (gmail) - ajaysharma24x7.

The answer given by AtlantaTaxExpert would apply to you too.

TaxForAliens beat me to the punch. My previous posts apply to you as well.

If you believe that you will need professional help filing this year, this IS what I do. Please double-click on my name (Atlanta Tax Expert) above to access my profile. You will find my email address in the signature portion of the profile (scroll down to the BOTTOM of the page).