How should I file my taxes?

[r060106 109]

Why exactly would my W-7 get kicked back? I'm sending in exactly what you mentioned: the W-7, the return, her passport and the letter that Darnell mentioned. I'm doing exactly what others who have already got an ITIN are doing. Nothing has changed.

I just mentioned my DOR for info purposes only. The state return is going to the state DOR, not the IRS. It's not like I'm sending my state return to the IRS. That would be pointless and stupid.

Edited January 17, 2014 by r060106

[Darnell 8,478]

oops. it won't get kicked back the IRS, as he's including the actual passport.

Perhaps the DOR reference confused you? Some states have state income tax, and his is labelled as DOR - I am assuming Department of Revenue. His approach on the paperwork is perfect, IMO.

[r060106 109]

oops. it won't get kicked back the IRS, as he's including the actual passport.

Perhaps the DOR reference confused you? Some states have state income tax, and his is labelled as DOR - I am assuming Department of Revenue. His approach on the paperwork is perfect, IMO.

Yes, you are exactly right Darnell. I am required to send copies of everything I send to the Feds for the ITIN to my state Department of Revenue, per their instructions. I'm not sending stuff for the DOR to the IRS.

Darnell, how long did it take you to get the ITIN and for the IRS to process your return? Jw.

[Darnell 8,478]

we filed in November and got it in late january. That's what I remember. Might have been february.

The first year we filed was strange, as

for about 7 years prior, i never file personal income tax, only filing corporate taxes and not paying myself a salary.

that first year we filed, I shifted, paying myself a salary to show w-2 income.

Then, we filed late, as she had to get some notary work done at the Consulate in Chengdu. Although we filed late, there was no penalty cause the feds owed us monies.

I do know, when you file during tax season, expect 8 to 11 weeks .

[Sashy 17]

So uh question. I got Married in Jan of last year, so according to everything here I should put: Married, filing separately?

I make peanuts anyway from the odd job. All my taxes are done by an accountant, but he told me it doesnt matter what I put because I get no income help from my husband, and because my husbands not here yet.

[Darnell 8,478]

if'n you not go through the route of obtaining an ITIN for yer foreign spouse,

then married filing seperately is the way to go.

[BobnRuby 1]

OP...firstly, listen to Darnell...that is correct. My taxes are in the mail as we speak...filed married, joint...sent to Austin Tx with w7 (spent hours on the phone with IRS confirming this process). Leave to ssn spot blank...IRS will fill it in once the number is assigned via the w7. Then IRS will forward for tax return processing. I was told 3 to 5 weeks for the w7 then another four to six to process the paper return....hope this helps...

[Jon in RC 6]

With passport you will be fine. I stand correct it.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

If you do the married filing seperately you have to do a paper return. You cannot efile. You put NRA in the SSN block and mail it in. Any company that you use will also have to do this. Do not, under any circumstances, file as single. You can always amend these taxes after your spouse arrives in the USA and has an SSN.

My husband is doing the e-filing and he was allowed to leave the SSN blank as long as he selected a reason why it was blank. He chose "Spouse is not a US citizen" and it accepted it. Is that incorrect?

Edit: Actually, I just went to H&R block and the option actually says "Spouse is not a citizen or resident alien". Seems good to go!

Edited January 19, 2014 by Ketsuban

[NikLR 13,227]

They must have updated their software! that's awesome!

I know my husband tried to do that but it wouldn't let him send it.. so try and see if it does.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

They must have updated their software! that's awesome!

I know my husband tried to do that but it wouldn't let him send it.. so try and see if it does.

Ok he's going to finish it off tonight when he gets in from work, so I'll update the thread as soon as I hear from him.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Can confirm that using H&R Block, my husband was able to file taxes using Married Filing Separately while recording that I am an NRA with no SSN

[r060106 109]

OP...firstly, listen to Darnell...that is correct. My taxes are in the mail as we speak...filed married, joint...sent to Austin Tx with w7 (spent hours on the phone with IRS confirming this process). Leave to ssn spot blank...IRS will fill it in once the number is assigned via the w7. Then IRS will forward for tax return processing. I was told 3 to 5 weeks for the w7 then another four to six to process the paper return....hope this helps...

Did they send your identification documents back to you within 3 to 5 week timeline? I'll be sending my wife's passport and would like it back as soon as possible. Just curious. Thanks

[friendlyusa 37]

The sensible thing to do is to caclulate your taxes both as Married seaprate and married joint and file whichever one results in the lowest taxes. If you were married at any point up to Dec 31, 2013, you are considerd married for the whole taxable year. SHe does not have to live with you to qualify.

If you do joint, she will need a Socail Security number. And she will have to report any US income but not income from her native land or any other country on the return.

Can your confirm that no need to report income from foreign land for married filing jointly?

[friendlyusa 37]

My spouse works in foreign and has foreign income and had SSN because used to live in USA few years back.

We want to to check which option yields lower taxes: Mfj or Mfs and go for that,

My question is I have my mother as my dependent in USA. Can I file as HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD ?

Can your confirm that no need to report income from foreign land for married filing jointly?

Because I heard due to new rules Global Income need to be reported?