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    sansav's Avatar
    sansav Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jan 24, 2009, 10:12 PM
    Tax Filing Status when L1 spouse on L2 visa not Working.
    I got married in feb 2008 & my spouse joined me in US in oct 2008 on L2 visa.She has a SSN and EAD. She is not working & has no income.What should I choose as my tax Filing status (Married filing separately) or (Married filing jointly). Do she also need to file return, she don't have any W2 form as did not worked / non-working.

    Please reply.
    codyman144's Avatar
    codyman144 Posts: 544, Reputation: 31
    Senior Member
     
    #2

    Jan 24, 2009, 10:36 PM

    File for Status: Married filing jointly

    She does not have to file a return on her own as both your names go on the joint return. The fact that she did not work makes no difference and will only give you a larger return...
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
     
    #3

    Jan 24, 2009, 10:41 PM

    1. You can both file joint return as residents to get maximum benefit.

    2. You can also file as married filing separately. If you came to the U.S. in 2008, then you will file Dual status tax return. Your spouse is not required to file tax return.
    Read about L1 tax filing: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas
    codyman144's Avatar
    codyman144 Posts: 544, Reputation: 31
    Senior Member
     
    #4

    Jan 24, 2009, 10:57 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by MukatA View Post
    1. You can both file joint return as residents to get maximum benefit.

    2. You can also file as married filing separately. If you came to the U.S. in 2008, then you will file Dual status tax return. Your spouse is not required to file tax return.
    Read about L1 tax filing: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas
    Okay I am not a "Tax Expert" but isn't that pretty much exactly what I said...
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
     
    #5

    Jan 26, 2009, 10:15 AM
    Codyman144:

    No, not really. You made no mention of the dual-status return, which IS an option, though NOT the smart one In my opinion.
    codyman144's Avatar
    codyman144 Posts: 544, Reputation: 31
    Senior Member
     
    #6

    Jan 26, 2009, 10:18 AM

    True...

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