2010 TAX ? whats the best way ? Extend or Single or Married

[babaa 0]

Hi All,

I know there have been several discussions about TAX Filing.

So now i know my wont make it here before April 15th , so what is the best option :_

1) Extend my Filing Dates ( but i think this requires SSN too , if I am not wrong ) . OR just extend as Single and than file as Couple.

2) File as Single and than later ammend as married ? Is this ok ? Essentially I am lying that I am Single.

3) Married Filing Jointly with W7 ( ITIN application ) ?

Which is the best .. Please advise.

Thanks,

Babaa.

[hobokenworkingman 4]

Hi All,

I know there have been several discussions about TAX Filing.

So now i know my wont make it here before April 15th , so what is the best option :_

1) Extend my Filing Dates ( but i think this requires SSN too , if I am not wrong ) . OR just extend as Single and than file as Couple.

2) File as Single and than later ammend as married ? Is this ok ? Essentially I am lying that I am Single.

3) Married Filing Jointly with W7 ( ITIN application ) ?

Which is the best .. Please advise.

Thanks,

Babaa.

you go w/ 2. this is what I did last year. you cant file married cuz your spouse doesnt have SSN. so you file at the higher single rate and then file an amended 1040x later after your spouse immigrates and gets the SSN. good luck!

p.s - btw, you're not lying - there's an option that says you are married but filing single. totally legit.

Edited April 4, 2011 by hobokenworkingman

[belinda63 3,022]

If you are due a refund you have up to three years to file.

[YuAndDan 153]

DO NOT file as "Single" file Jointly, or married separate filings. I have seen visas denied when a couple file as single.

[baylily 0]

Interesting thread. Last year I filed as "married", because, well I AM. However, when I filled out a W2 this year for my new job, it clearly stated on the W2 to tick the SINGLE box if my spouse had no SS, so I did.

[YuAndDan 153]

Interesting thread. Last year I filed as "married", because, well I AM. However, when I filled out a W2 this year for my new job, it clearly stated on the W2 to tick the SINGLE box if my spouse had no SS, so I did.

That's not the issue, it is the filing of a return as single when not.

[ZahidAntara 1]

You have two options:

1. married filing separately. (with this option you do not get refund for your spouse)

2. married filing jointly: with this option you get bigger refund but might take longer time to process. here is what you need to:

a. fill out a w7 form. send (email)it to your spouse and let her sign and return it back with you with originial valid foreign passport. (you have to have the original valid passport)

b. go to IRS approaved Tax accountant in your area. make them file the tax return for you. (or you can file it yourself. (keep her ssn empty) only problem is, if you file it yourself you have to send the original passpor with the tax return)

c. the accountant will finish the filing, copy and notarize her forign passport and give it back to you. (you can not do efiling)

d. send the passport, Federal return and State Retrun back to her.

e. after she sign the federal return and state return, she has to mail back to you.

f. send the federal return to TX address along with W7 form.

g. do not send state return. its takes about 6-8 weeks before IRS will assign a ITIN number.

f. Once you get the ITIN number fill up the STATE return (just put ITIN number in the SSN) and send it to STATE.

Edited April 4, 2011 by ZahidAntara

[babaa 0]

So is Extending , Not an Option ?

[ZahidAntara 1]

So is Extending , Not an Option ?

yes you can extend it. but you have to file married. do not file single. you might be in touble. you are no longer single.

I just looked at your timeline.. its better for you extend it. and once she get here file jointly after she get her SSN

[babaa 0]

hi zahid,

sounds good...

but when filing for an extension...its asking for spouse's ssn. what should i put there.

br,

yogi

[hindustani24 7]

hi zahid,

sounds good...

but when filing for an extension...its asking for spouse's ssn. what should i put there.

br,

yogi

Do not file extension if the interview is going to be after April 15 because they would require your return for 2010 after April 15.

[hindustani24 7]

BTW I did my return already, filed married filing jointly, W7 without using passport (I used birth certificate and voter ID). Got ITIN number in 2 weeks and refund in 2 weeks after that. I already requested transcript for the interview.

[babaa 0]

hi hindustani,

did you use spouse's birth certificate and her voter id from india ( is this mandatory )

i do have her birth certificate but will have to see if she can send me voter id... what is this used for..

do appreciate your help..might go this route as welll..

i am on call with IRS to see what they say..

will update ASAP.

thanks

[ER97SA 0]

Nice to know that

I did it nearly a week ago, and was plannign for getting an extension for the state

since they are claiming 8-10 weeks for ITIN.

Did you go to the local IRS office or just send it directly to Austin?

BTW I did my return already, filed married filing jointly, W7 without using passport (I used birth certificate and voter ID). Got ITIN number in 2 weeks and refund in 2 weeks after that. I already requested transcript for the interview.

[magdasal 19]

DO NOT file as "Single" file Jointly, or married separate filings. I have seen visas denied when a couple file as single.

Oh man, don't tell me that

This debate pops up here all the time and I went the other way. I guess I'll find out soon if that kills it.