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rajanarora05 · Jan 10, 2007, 02:57 PM

Hi,

I have been on H1-B visa since 2003 and got married in middle of dec 2006. My wife is on H4 and accompanied me to the US at the end of December 2006.

I want to know what tax benefits can I get after getting married.. I am a novice about taxes a little help would be appreciated?

Can I file a joint return? Can my wife get an SSN?

Please help??

AtlantaTaxExpert · Jan 11, 2007, 06:27 PM

The IRS considers you married for the entire year if you are married on 31 December 2006, so, yes, you can file jointly, IF your wife agrees and she is willing to be taxed on her world-wide income.

Your wife probably does not qualify for a SSN, but can get an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) by filling out Form W-7, getting a photocopy of her passport notarized as a true copy, then mail these two form, along with your jointly prepared tax return, to the address in the W-7 instructions. The IRS will review the forms, issue the ITIN, insert the number on the tax form, process the form and mail her back her ITIN under separate correspondence. The W-7 (with instructions) can be downloaded from Internal Revenue Service.

If you need professional help preparing your return or the W-7, please consider using my services. You will find my rates extremely competitve. Contact me at [email protected] if you are interested! I have references from clients who are people just like you.