[milkywayrocks]

Hi,

I am a foreigner who has started my job and sixth year in the US this August. For the first five year I was in Grad school receiving salary from the University, and have been filing under the non-resident alien status.

Since this year I would have to file for both my University and work income, I have a few questions about the transition.

1. Which status should I file under? Should I file for the 2 different employers using different status?

2. Do tax-softwares (e.g. TurboTax) allows for filing in my situation? (i.e. a change in status as well as employers)

3. My wife has recently joined me in the US. Our visa status does not allow her an SSN, and from what I know we need to apply for ITIN for the purpose of filing jointly. I read that the W7 form required for this purpose maybe filed together with tax return. Is this correct?

Thank you so much for your help.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

If you arrived prior to 1 January 2003, you are a resident alien for 2007.

2 & 3) Yes, you can use tax software if you filed by yourself. However, since you want to file jointly with your wife, you must submit Form W-7 to apply for an ITIN, which means the tax return MUST be mailed.