[kaushik]

Respected Sir,

Could you please clarify the following pertaining to my 2008 tax returns. I'm currently working in the US on H1B visa since Oct. 2007.

1. I recently got married in Dec. 2008, but my wife is currently not in the US. Can I still claim her as dependent on my tax reutns?

2. Am I taxed on bank interest that I have received in 2008? What % of income do I have to report if it is taxable?

3. I donate about $15 per month to UNICEF. Can I claim this as exemption?

4. What is the total deduction if I'm filing as Single and married with dependent?

Could you please let me know at your earliest convinience?

Thank you.

Kaushik

[MukatA]

You can file joint return as residents. It is not required that you spouse is in the U.S. Attach W7 (ITIN application) with your tax return. Read about H1 tax filing: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas

[kaushik]

Hello Mukata,

Thank you very much for your reply. My wife did work full time in India in 2008 and hence, I was told I would have to declare her income also if I'm filing as joint.

Now, are there provisions in federal taxes where I could exclude my wife's foreign income or get credit on the tax she paid in India? Which form should I use please?

Thank you.

Kaushik

You can file joint return as residents. It is not required that you spouse is in the U.S. Attach W7 (ITIN application) with your tax return. Read about H1 tax filing: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas

[MukatA]

On your return, you must report your world wide income. If you paid taxes in the foreign country, you will claim credit for taxes paid in the foreign country by filing Form 1116 or can file form 2555 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.. Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Citizen or Resident with Foreign Income