2011 Tax Return Filing Status

[Ije 8]

I got married in November 2011. My spouse is a non united states citizen currently living oversea. I am a United States citizen. I have already petition for her to join me over here in the United States. One of the documents required for filing form I-864 is tax return. Since she is currently not living in the United States, please I was just wondering if anyone can advise me on the status I should be claiming. In the previous two tax returns, I was filing as head of household because my mother is living with me. I don't know if it is worth it applying for ITIN number. Is it ok to go with head of household? Please advise.

Edited January 16, 2012 by Ije

[Dan & Juan 12]

I'm not sure the entire range of choices so I will give my experience and opinion. You are married and don't you think it would help your case to file married jointly? I am just seeing the Bonafide support. You can get the itin number and file even amended. Any foreign income for your spouse is exempt up to like 87,000$$.

Im not sure if it does indeed apply to you but I would certainly do it and I did do it. I did have trouble with the itin notirization requirements of foreign notaries but I did not get that rejection until months later so I submitted my joint return as documentation and ammended with a ss number later. But you might want to check with a professional tax preparer to gain the best choices for your situation