Can we file our 2008 tax return electronically?

[jhunjhun 7]

Hello, I was just wondering if we can file our 2008 tax return electronically when I get my SSN? I spent 164 days here in USA in year 2008 and I'm not a green card holder. Meaning, I didn't meet both substantial residency test. I been here in USA for about 7 months (= more than 180 days if 2008 and 2009 combined) now and my AOS interview went well today but the lady cannot approve my green card because she wanted us to file our 2008 tax return as my wife income for 2007 was below the poverty limit. I just received my EAD card today and I'm going to SSA office to apply for my SSN tomorrow. I was wondering if we can file our tax return for this year electronically using efile? Thank you very much!!!!

[abranch 0]

We used turbotax to file. The freedom edition, I believe that is right, does federal and AZ state efiling for free if you meet certain criteria. And we did. I know they sometimes only let you efile if you have proper information from last year (your USC) and it allowed my husband to efile on my paperwork since he has never efiled before.

That sounds so confusing but once you do it I believe it will.

[abranch 0]

Ooh...Freedom edition actually is not right. I am a USAA member so I got the link for military filing a free federal, and there is a deal for EVERYONE on certain states (AZ included in that) that state filing is free. You may have to pay for federal taxes.

[bassagitator 1]

If this is your first year filing with the social security number then you will need to file by mail, then next year you could file electronically. Thats what we had to do this year.

[himher 634]

(laughing) and wondering where bass got THAT information.

Last year was our first year filing with my wife's new SS number which arrived in May. We e-filed in May after it arrived, and included her foreign earned income (2007 income) and foreign earned income exemption. The only difference between our case and yours is that you probably won't meet the physical presence test for exemption which unfortunately adds your income to the taxable column. We used turbotax.

If this is your first year filing with the social security number then you will need to file by mail, then next year you could file electronically. Thats what we had to do this year.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

(laughing) and wondering where bass got THAT information.

Last year was our first year filing with my wife's new SS number which arrived in May. We e-filed in May after it arrived, and included her foreign earned income (2007 income) and foreign earned income exemption. The only difference between our case and yours is that you probably won't meet the physical presence test for exemption which unfortunately adds your income to the taxable column. We used turbotax.

If this is your first year filing with the social security number then you will need to file by mail, then next year you could file electronically. Thats what we had to do this year.

I agree Dont know where that info came from but yes you can e-file. If the USC has filed taxes in the past then put them as the tax payer and the immigrant as the spouse. IRS and most states want people to e-file rather than sending in the return by mail.

Happy Tax Season!!!

[payxibka 10,045]

if you pass one of the tests for resident alien tax status (greencard or substantial presence) then you can file electronically, if you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes by special election then you cannot

[Mitchamy 0]

yes you can e-file your state and federal tax. We use turbotax, fast and easy. Filed jointly since no income yet. And we had our refund last week of Jan.

[jhunjhun 7]

(laughing) and wondering where bass got THAT information.

Last year was our first year filing with my wife's new SS number which arrived in May. We e-filed in May after it arrived, and included her foreign earned income (2007 income) and foreign earned income exemption. The only difference between our case and yours is that you probably won't meet the physical presence test for exemption which unfortunately adds your income to the taxable column. We used turbotax.

If this is your first year filing with the social security number then you will need to file by mail, then next year you could file electronically. Thats what we had to do this year.

I agree Dont know where that info came from but yes you can e-file. If the USC has filed taxes in the past then put them as the tax payer and the immigrant as the spouse. IRS and most states want people to e-file rather than sending in the return by mail.

Happy Tax Season!!!

yes, my wife is a tax payer.... thank you so much....my green card approval will be delayed if we don't hand over our tax return for 2008!!!!