[npradeeprao]

Hi,

I was in the process of filing my Tax returns using 1040NR(Since I was here for less than 2 months in the previous year). My wife is a house wife and has an SSN allotted to her. Apparently the 1040NR form does not have any provision for showing my wife as my Dependent and hence does not ask for her SSN too?

My question is: Can't I show my wife as a dependent anywhere in the form for exemption purposes? Aren't we allowed to or supposed to show my wife's ITIN/SSN information anywhere in the form?

Any answers provided would be very helpful and appreciated.

Regards
Pradeep

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Pradeep:

What is your visa status?

If you are F-1 and an Indian student, then you can claim your wife as a dependent.

If H-1, H-1B or L-1, then you CANNOT claim your wife as a dependent if you file as a non-resident alien.

[EiMaHa]

Pradeep:

What is your visa status?

If you are F-1 and an Indian student, then you can claim your wife as a dependent.

If H-1, H-1B or L-1, then you CANNOT claim your wife as a dependent if you file as a non-resident alien.

Dear AtlantaTaxExpert,
Your answer prompts a questions: What if you are a L-1 visa holder, who has met the presence test and is now married to a U.S. citizen. Can you file Married Filing Jointly on form 1040?

Thanks!

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Yes, you can file as the non-resident alien spouse of a U.S. citizen.

The only possible downside is that you must declare ALL of your world-wide income from 2006.