Check out some similar questions!

nirav · Mar 5, 2008, 01:55 PM

I would like to know, that can I claim my wife as Dependent, she is a
Canadian citizen and she does not have a U.S. (SSN). She visits me
Every 2 months and if I round up all her visits she has stayed with me
More than 6 months, so can I claim her by applying for ITIN?

I have also applied for her visa and if I claim her will there be a
Problem in getting her a visa?

Thanks...

topladyj · Mar 5, 2008, 02:18 PM

I don't think you can claim her. You can't even file because she has no ss#. And as long as she is of age over 18 you cannot claim her. Sorry!

AtlantaTaxExpert · Apr 23, 2008, 10:56 AM

Actually, that is NOT quite true.

You cannot claim her as a DEPENDENT, BUT YOU can file jointly with her and claim her exemption as a co-filer. Her physical location is irrelevant when it comes to filing jointly.

The potential downside is the requirement for her to declare ALL of her 2007 world-wide income on the U.S. tax return.

Alternatively, you can file Married Filing Separately and claim your wife's exemption IF she has NO U.S.-sourced income. She does NOT need a SSN or ITIN for such a return. You just list her name and put "non-resident alien" where her SSN would go. Such a return must be mailed; it cannot be filed electronically, AND you need to provide proof of the marriage.