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    itsmaheshp's Avatar
    itsmaheshp Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 26, 2009, 05:24 AM
    Married filing jointly or marriage filing separtely ?
    Hi ,

    I am on H1B and my wife is on H4(dependent visa) and I was married in feb 2008. What the type do I need to select i.e. married filing jointly or married filing separately...
    I have seen that I need to pay more taxes while I am filing separately than filing jointly..

    Please advice..

    Thanks,
    Mahesh
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
    		  
    #2

    Mar 26, 2009, 12:16 PM

    You can file as married filing jointly (MFJ) or married filing separately. In most cases, it is better to file as MFJ. If you file MFS, you will not get many credits and deductions.Read Your U.S. Tax Return: Filing Status for Married
    itsmaheshp's Avatar
    itsmaheshp Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Mar 26, 2009, 12:20 PM

    Can I leave my wife's SSN blank as she doesn't have it ?
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #4

    May 14, 2009, 03:21 PM
    Only if you file MFS.

    If you file MFJ, you must complete Form W-7 and submit it with a notarized photocopy of her passport to get her an ITIN.
    IntlTax's Avatar
    IntlTax Posts: 831, Reputation: 23
    Tax Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jun 12, 2009, 01:29 PM

    As indicated, it is generally much better to file MFJ.
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