Hi there,

I got married in Dec 2006 in india and my wife joined me in US only in Jan 2007.
I am on a H1B and my wife joined me on a H4.

Here are my Questions,

a. Do I need to File for Joint Return (2006) ? (which also means that I need to apply for a ITIN along with my federal) ?

b. Can I show my wife as a dependent and claim for refunds for 2006 ?
( I have paid the taxes for the whole years with a unmarried status. If I claim a married status now, I will get back a good refund).

Thanks a lot.

Dhinesh

a) You do not NEED to file a jont return. You CAN if you want (will probably produce a higher tax refund).

b) Yes, but she will need an ITIN.

It is likely that filing jointly will produce a greater tax benefit, because you will get to claim a DOUBLE standard deduction of $10,300 instead of the $5,150 you get if you file with your wife as a dependent.