[jetzu]

Hi There.

This is me...

I have been in the US since September 7th of this year. I am married with 3 children. How should I file taxes next year... or what are my options for filing taxes next year.

Thanks

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Jetzu:

I assume you are married. If so, you can file jointly with your wife and claim all three children as depednents under First Year Choice. Details can be found in IRS Pub 519, which can be downloaded from Internal Revenue Service.

The only drawback is that you must declare ALL income earned in 2007. A Foreign Tax Credit should keep you from paying double taxes on the foreiogn-sourced 2007 income.

If you choose NOT to file jointly (you DO have a choice), then you will file as a non-resident alien, but it is likely that you CANNOT claim your husband or children as dependents.

I need to know from WHICH country you came.

[jetzu]

I am from the Bahamas. If I do decide to file jointly, what proof would I have to show of my previous income.

[MukatA]

You don't attach any proof of your income and taxes paid in Bahamas. You must enter the correct figures.
Only if your return is audited or IRS asks for a clarification, then you may be required to show the records. Your bank statement, your account statements from your employers, and/or your tax return in Bahamas are good enough.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

MukatA has covered it all; nothing to add!