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    cning's Avatar
    cning Posts: 21, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jun 22, 2009, 08:42 PM
    Issue about form 8833.
    Hi,
    I am citizen of China and entered in US on F-1 visa in 2005. My status was changed from OPT to H-1B in Oct, 2008. My wife is a student on F-1 visa. I filed extension and am considered as resident alien to file form 1040.
    I was wondering how I can fill out form 8833 for my wife to claim $5000 under the US-China tax treaty since my wife didn't have any income in 2008.
    Thanks
    M
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
     
    #2

    Jun 22, 2009, 11:11 PM

    No, you can not claim $5,000 as your wife does not have any income.
    cning's Avatar
    cning Posts: 21, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jun 23, 2009, 07:37 AM

    Thanks.
    Forget to mention that we filed jointly. Is there any way to claim $5000 for my wife?
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
     
    #4

    Jun 23, 2009, 11:29 AM
    Actually, you CAN claim BOTH your wife's AND your China treaty exemption on your 2008 joint return. File Form 1040 and enter $10,000 as a negative number on Line #21.

    For 2009 and beyond, you can continue to claim your wife's treaty exemption by entering the $5,000 as a negative number on Line #21.
    cning's Avatar
    cning Posts: 21, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jun 26, 2009, 08:42 PM

    Thanks, AtlantaTaxExpert.
    But I have a problem to fill out Form 8833 (my wife doesn't have income in 2008)): shall I just fill out one form 8833 for me and my wife? Or shall we fill out form 8833 separately (one for me, one for my wife)? I am confused.
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
     
    #6

    Jun 29, 2009, 07:33 AM
    One Form 8833 is all that is required. You just need to explain your interpretation of the exemption clearly on the one Form 8833.

    The fact that you are filing jointly makes the detail that your wife has no income irrelevant when it comes to claiming the treaty exemption, because your joint filing causes the IRS to treat you both as a single economic unit.
    cning's Avatar
    cning Posts: 21, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Jun 29, 2009, 08:26 AM

    Understood.
    Since there is only one place to put name and SSN, I assume I need put my wife's information (name, SSN, address) in the explanation (Line 5), right?
    I appreciate your help.
    M
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
     
    #8

    Jun 30, 2009, 11:45 AM
    Yes, you can put your wife's name and SSN in the explanation (Line #5).
    cning's Avatar
    cning Posts: 21, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Jun 30, 2009, 01:05 PM

    Atlanta Tax Expert, thanks!
    You are really helpful! Help me save over $700!
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
     
    #10

    Jul 1, 2009, 08:25 AM
    Glad to help!

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