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    miami142's Avatar
    miami142 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 29, 2011, 07:48 AM
    How to file returns if wife is not still in US. Thanks
    Hi, I am a US resident, I married in march 2010 and my wife is still in another country. I already apply to bring her to here. Do I need to file as Married filing jointly or separatly. When I put her in the form it askme for a SSN which she does not have. Which status do I need to file? Thanks
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jan 29, 2011, 07:42 PM

    If you are a U.S. citizen or resident you can only file as married filing jointly or married filing separately. You can file joint return as residents even when your spouse has never been to the U.S. On the joint return, both of you must report worldwide income.
    You can also file as head of household if your spouse does not live in the U.S. and you have a qualifying relative dependent. Your U.S. Tax Return: Filing Status for Married
    miami142's Avatar
    miami142 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jan 29, 2011, 08:16 PM
    Comment on MukatA's post
    Thanks for your answer. Let me ask you an additional question, Can I leave in blank the SSN for her or do I need to ask for a ITIN for her and use that number. (I am using Turbotax) THANKS!!
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #4

    Feb 5, 2011, 11:27 PM
    You need to MAIL the JOINT return in with a Form W-7 to get an ITIN for her.
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