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JOINT TAX RETURNS WITH SPOUSE OVERSEAS

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Ghana
Timeline

Hi everybody,

One question I saw here regarding interviews in Ghana was, "Did u file a joint tax return this year?" I looked into it and contacted the IRS concerning an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) application. I was told it would only be accepted if I attached it to my joint returns for 2011 tax year. I went to my local IRS office and I was given the same info as the rep did over the phone. Now I have 2 questions.

1) Does anyone know if you'll have to report ur spouse's annual income overseas (which is barely anything when convereted to dollars) or just ignore it?

2) Do I indicate she works or not?

Btw, she is a government employee so taxes are deducted from her income before she gets it.

You can't lower a pint-sized container into a well and expect to pull back a gallon of water - Mrs. Georgina Asamoah (my 4th grade "no nonsense" teacher who kicked our butts for being little rascals lol)

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Filed: Timeline

Hi everybody,

One question I saw here regarding interviews in Ghana was, "Did u file a joint tax return this year?" I looked into it and contacted the IRS concerning an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) application. I was told it would only be accepted if I attached it to my joint returns for 2011 tax year. I went to my local IRS office and I was given the same info as the rep did over the phone. Now I have 2 questions.

1) Does anyone know if you'll have to report ur spouse's annual income overseas (which is barely anything when convereted to dollars) or just ignore it?

2) Do I indicate she works or not?

Btw, she is a government employee so taxes are deducted from her income before she gets it.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96734,00.html

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
Timeline

1. report

2. list her as employed.

include the letter with yer submittal,

to be classified as a resident for IRS Tax Purposes.

Don't forget that there is a foreign-income exclusion that is not taxable...

Good Luck !

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Mexico
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Get a copy of IRS document 519 on the web...it explains all the options for filing when one spouse still lives overseas

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Ghana
Timeline

Thanks people :thumbs:

You can't lower a pint-sized container into a well and expect to pull back a gallon of water - Mrs. Georgina Asamoah (my 4th grade "no nonsense" teacher who kicked our butts for being little rascals lol)

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I hope it's OK to ask more questions in someone else's thread on the same topic. Forum habits and customs seem to vary from web site to web site on this.

So our CR-1 interview is next month. I am the USC.

After going through the pages on irs.gov and Pub 519, I am still uncertain on a few points.

If we choose NOT to include my alien spouse on my return and so I only file my US return alone for 2011, is there any way for me to legally file Single for 2011 or is "Married filing separately" my only option in this case?

There are a few statements on irs.gov that suggest cases where this is possible but unclear whether it applies to me.

If we do decide to file jointly, she should meet at least one of the two tests for Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. If I can't claim it, can she on the same return?

Thanks!

Done: I-130/CR-1, I-751/ROC

Done: I-327

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
Timeline

MFS.

but do read those instructions again, also the publication. IMO, it's a big deal to get the ITIN now, but sooooo worth it.

Don't forget to include a cover letter with the w-7 form, letting the IRS know that you two OPT for her to be considered a resident for tax filing purposes.

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

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Filed: Timeline

If you are married, you have three options, Married, filing jointly, Married, filing separately, or if you have a qualifying dependent, Head of Household.

Note: If you do not choose to treat your nonresident spouse as a US resident, you may be able to use head of household filing status. To use this status, you must pay more than half the cost of maintaining a household for certain dependents or relatives other than your nonresident alien spouse. For more information, refer to Head of Household and Publication 501.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96734,00.html

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