[jhoffman]

Hi, I'm a Mexican Citizen currently on OPT, changing status to H1B in October. A while ago you advised me to file as a married resident, so I could be able to take the standard decuction, and my child deduction. I have a couple of questions:
1) I know I can file as resident, since I'll be working and have a Social Security Number, but can I file as a married resident even though my wife does not have SSN? I've heard I can get her a IRS ID number or something similar, is that correct? How should I proceed in order to get that ID #?
2)Does taking the standard decuction mean that I cannot take other deductions? Items like medical and dental expenses (currently deducted from my payrol), moving expenses, interest paid on my student loan, excise taxes etc.
Thanks again

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

1) When you file, you submit Form W-7 with a notarized photocopy of your wife's passport to get an Individual Tax Identification Number. You mail the return (with your wife's name inserted but the SSN area BLANK) to the address in the W-7 instructions, the IRS issues the ITIN, inserts it on the tax return, then processes the return.

2) By filing jointly, you will get a $10,000 standard deduction (for 2005) or $10,400 for 2006. You will not be able to claim medical and dental insurance premiums, but you will be able to deduct moving expenses and student loan interest.

[jhoffman]

It surely helps!
Thanks,

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Glad to help!