Tax question

[gwenneh 7]

Is anyone here in a similar situation to me - working in the US, spouse is a non-resident alien? I have a question for you if you are!

[Alt name 1]

Yes?

[payxibka 10,045]

What is the question?

[gwenneh 7]

I'm trying to figure out how many exemptions I should claim with the whole W-4 thing - I'm so paranoid about having too little withheld! I'm getting so confused with this stupid worksheet and my accountant may or may not be in prison at the moment...

[payxibka 10,045]

First thing you must determine is what will be your filing status..

You have three choices. you can file :

1) Married filing separate

2) Married filing joint (only if you opt to declare your non-resident alien spouse's worldwide income as US based income)

3) Head of household (if you have a qualifying dependant)

[gwenneh 7]

Married filing seperately. That's how I did it last year (but we both lived abroad so I didn't have a W-4to deal with!); I really don't kow if there would be advantages to any of the others over that or not.

[payxibka 10,045]

OK, married filing separate has tax rates similiar to a single person.

To be safe, you would most likely want to indicate - Married, but withhold at higher single rates.

Exemptions to claim would be

1) Yourself.

2) You should not claim an exemption for your hubby based on your filing status

3) Unless you have any other qualifying circumstances that is it.

[gwenneh 7]

Thank you; that's incredibly helpful!

[AtlantiCat 0]

Alternately, you can also claim zero. You'll end up paying higher taxes during the year, but you will be guaranteed to receive a refund when you file your tax return. Otherwise, I would agree with fwaguy and claim only yourself.