[Bahty]

Hello,

I came to US (L1 visa) in August 2007 with my wife and child. Me and my wife got ssn, my daughter didn't. She was born in January 2007.

Do I need to get tax id and/or ssn for my daughter before applying to 2007 return? And what is the procedure for applying for return in my case?

Also, turbotax is saying that I am not eligible for some of the credits since I was in US less than 6 month and my daughter is not considered as qualifying dependent since she doesn't have ssn. Are there any additional credits that I can apply for?

Thanks,
Bahty

[MukatA]

Choice 1: File nonresident tax return. You will only get exemption of $3,400. You can deduct moving expenses for the family on form 3903 and itemized deductions (included state taxes paid). Normally you should choose this only when all your deductions are equal to or more than your total income.

Choice 2: You can file resident tax return as Married Filing Jointly. You will have to wait for 5 months to file your tax return till you meet the Substantial Presence Test (of 183 days) in 2008.
You will get standard deduction of $10,700 and exemptions for both of you and the child. You will also get child tax credit of $1,000 each.
You must both declare your worldwide income for 2007. If you have any foreign income, and on that income you paid taxes in the foreign country, then you can claim foreign tax credit.

You will complete forms W7 (application for ITIN) for your child and attach with your tax return. You can also deduct moving expenses. Use form 3903.

If you decide to file as Married Filing Jointly as First Year Choice, you must attach a statement signed by both of you to your return stating that you qualify to file as residents as First Year Choice and that you CHOOSE to file this way.

[twinkiedooter]

You may get the child a SSN by going in person to the Social Security Office and applying for one. I got my son a SSN when he was 6 months old with no problem. Just bring the birth certificate with you and your identification.