Just got married and applying for AOS, could we file tax return together?

[Jeannie & Al 18]

A spouse is never a dependent. You file married jointly, even if one spouse had no income.

Ah, thank you! Good to know - I never even thought about filing jointly. I guess it will save us money?

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Yes, it could.

Married Filing Jointly

You can choose married filing jointly as your filing status if you are considered married and both you and your spouse agree to file a joint return. On a joint return, you and your spouse report your combined income and deduct your combined allowable expenses. You can file a joint return even if one of you had no income or deductions.

If you and your spouse decide to file a joint return, your tax may be lower than your combined tax for the other filing statuses. Also, your standard deduction (if you do not itemize deductions) may be higher, and you may qualify for tax benefits that do not apply to other filing statuses.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p501/ar02.html#en_US_2013_publink1000220742

[Turboguy 6]

So, we were married end of September in 2013. My husband just got his EAD/AP card and DL and is now looking for work but did no work in 2013 in the US. I was planning on filing just for me as normal since he did not work last year, but can I claim him as a dependent for part of the year?

I think you mean "Exemptions" not dependent. Yes you can take two exemptions. There was some discussion about the W-7 and getting a Taxpayer Identification number which is one good option if the new spouse doesn't have a social security number yet. Other options that might work depending on the time frame is to file for an extension which can get you as late as Oct 15 to file your return if the spouse would have the social security number by that time. The other option is to file as single and then when the spouse has the SS # file an amended return.

[Jeannie & Al 18]

Yes, it could.

thanks for the info J-K!

I think you mean "Exemptions" not dependent. Yes you can take two exemptions. There was some discussion about the W-7 and getting a Taxpayer Identification number which is one good option if the new spouse doesn't have a social security number yet. Other options that might work depending on the time frame is to file for an extension which can get you as late as Oct 15 to file your return if the spouse would have the social security number by that time. The other option is to file as single and then when the spouse has the SS # file an amended return.

yes, that's what I meant -thanks! My hubby got his SS right after he got here in September so we're all set there.

Sounds like we should talk to our accountant and see what makes the most sense?

[Darnell 8,478]

Hi everybody,

We just got married last week and we got W2 forms from employers in hand today.

Is it possible if we file our tax return together so we may have more evidence for AOS Interview?

Thank you.

1. if married in 2013? absolutely !

2. see #1 .