[maftab]

Hi
I am aftab and my wife and kid joined me in 2006, as they are on H4 they are not eligible for a SSN so I need to apply for an ITIN. Please explain the process as to
Should I be sending my returns filled in manually along with the application for ITIN for my spouse and kid?
Will the exemption then be applied and we will receive the ITINs?
Will I get any returns?

We have one kid and another was born in Nov 2006. Can I apply for child credit tax exemption? Please advice.

Thanks
Aftab

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Aftab:

Download W-7 from Internal Revenue Service. You will fill out the W-7 and sign it for your children. Your wife needs to sign her W-7. Once complete, staple a notarized photocopy of your wife's and children's passport to the W-7.

Fill out the tax return (Form 1040A or 1040), putting your wife's name under yours and your children's names in Block 6c. Leave the SSN areas BLANK.

Paperclip the W-7/passport copies to the tax form and mail it to the address in the W-7 instructions. The IRS will issued the ITINs, insert the ITINs in the blank SSN areas, process the return, then mail you the ITINs.

Once you get the ITINs, then (and only then) can you file the state tax return.

OR

You can take your wife and children to the local IRS office and get them to issue the ITINs. Call first and ask if they can do it. You will need their visas and passports when you visit the office.

The second option is easier and more quick, but is NOT available everywhere in the country.