[desi_gizmo]

Here's background:
I'm on H1B visa, working in New York since Mar 2006.
I'm residing in New Jersey since Mar 2006.
I got married in Sep,2006 in India and my spouse joined me in Nov,2006 in US.
She is on H4 dependent visa and doesn't have SSN or ITIN.

Here's questions about my filing US Income Tax Return 2006:
1. Do I need to file tax as married filing jointly or separately.
2. DO I need to file as resident, non-resident or dual resident status? What documents would be required?
2. Can I claim my wife as dependent?
3. If I need to file ITIN for her then do I need to wait for filing my tax return (both Feferal and State) OR I can submit her ITIN form alongwith my tax return (both Feferal and State).
4. Do I need to file state tax both for New York and New Jersey?
5. Can you recommend anyone in Jersey City/Manhattan who can assist in filing ITIN, Federal and State Tax return

Thanks in advance to those who have the patience to answer all the queries :)

- Desi Gizmo

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

1 & 2) You can file dual-status and claim her as a dependent, or file jointly and BOTH be considered as resident aliens for all of 2006.

3) You need to submit Form W-7 for the ITIN along with your federal tax return.

4) When you get the ITIN back, you then file BOTH NY and NJ state tax returns.

5) Email me.