Tax return: what income?

[newlyweds2010 208]

I guess that many VJ members found themselves in the same situation: when filing your first tax return, did you include only the income earned after moving to the US, or also the income earned during the same tax year but in your country of origin (which by the way will also be taxed there)? Thank you for any imput

[Anh map 2,098]

Income earned by citizens and LPR's should be reported on the tax return. Income earned before becoming a GC holder would not be included.

[newlyweds2010 208]

Income earned by citizens and LPR's should be reported on the tax return. Income earned before becoming a GC holder would not be included.

thank you for your reply. the money that I earned here in the US before becoming a GC holder (I worked for 3 weeks with the EAD before my AOS interview) has to be reported, right?

[Audy_Rob 26]

Income earned by citizens and LPR's should be reported on the tax return. Income earned before becoming a GC holder would not be included.

This is incorrect. You probably want to seek the help of a tax professional.

I had to look at your timeline to figure out most of the information. Since you entered in 2010, I am assuming the income earned in Italy is also from 2010.

If you want to file Married - Filing jointly then you will need to add a declaration and hand mail your tax forms. You and spouse need to write the declaration yourselves that you are electing to file as Married Jointly. In that case, you must include your WORLWIDE income. You are entitled to a one time exclusion of up to $91,500 but that amount varies. The IRS website www.irs.gov has all the publications you need to do it correctly.

Then if your state has income taxes it becomes more complicated.

I suspect many people just file Married - Jointly and sweep the foreign income under the rug.

Good luck all.

[newlyweds2010 208]

This is incorrect. You probably want to seek the help of a tax professional.

I had to look at your timeline to figure out most of the information. Since you entered in 2010, I am assuming the income earned in Italy is also from 2010.

If you want to file Married - Filing jointly then you will need to add a declaration and hand mail your tax forms. You and spouse need to write the declaration yourselves that you are electing to file as Married Jointly. In that case, you must include your WORLWIDE income. You are entitled to a one time exclusion of up to $91,500 but that amount varies. The IRS website www.irs.gov has all the publications you need to do it correctly.

Then if your state has income taxes it becomes more complicated.

I suspect many people just file Married - Jointly and sweep the foreign income under the rug.

Good luck all.

Thank you for the info. I suspected that it was more complicated than I thought. Yes, I entered in 2010 and started working in november 2010. I have some income (WAY LESS than $ 91,000) earned in Italy during the first few months of 2010 before moving here. We are filing as married jointly.

My understanding is that this is the same scenario for the vast majority of immigrants, unless they don't work in their home country. at this point I think I will need help from some expert.