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Filing Tax as Single or Married?

By riyadc in Tax & Finances During US Immigration

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riyadc Rookie

riyadc   2

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Bangladesh
 Timeline
Posted

Hey guys,

I got married to my wife in Bangladesh and now I am working in the US. I applied I-130 for my wife in July and am still waiting on NOA2. I am going to be filing for my taxes this month which I will need Affidavit of Support. Since my wife is in Bangladesh and has never been in the US, should I be filing as Single or Married on my tax return?

07/03/2013: I-130 Sent

07/10/2013: NOA1 hard copy received

01/03/2014: Transferred to NSC

04/07/2014: RFE - Marriage Certificate Issues

04/17/2014: USCIS Received RFE evidence

04/24/2014: NOA2 email

04/28/2014: NVC Received

06/12/2014: Case Number, IIN given

06/12/2014: AOS/IV Fee Paid

05/28/2014: AOS/IV Packages Sent

06/18/2014: DS-260 Submitted

06/30/2014: AOS/IV Package Scanned

08/12/2014: AOS package reviewed and accepted

08/12/2014: Received NVC checklist listing all my IV documents

08/12/2014: Called NVC and told them I sent them all the listed documents, setup a supervisor review

08/21/2014: Got a call from NVC supervisor, informed me that the birth certificate we sent in was not the correct one everything else was good

08/22/2014: Mailed checklist response

08/26/2014: NVC received checklist according to FedEX tracking


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Harpa Timsah
Harpa Timsah

Married filing separately.

Dave&Roza
Dave&Roza

Well, you see there is this thing called a signature on the form. By signing the form you are stating "Under the penalty of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying schedu

pob260
pob260

In order to file married filing separate or married filing jointly ; you will need to have a SSN or ITIN number for your wife. Since she does not have one you will have to get her an ITIN number ( you

Ingrid28 Community Regular

Ingrid28   69

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
Posted

I think single, since your wife have never been in the US before, but probably others will shed some more light on your situation, wish you all the best.

Service Center - Texas

I -130 sent - October 26, 2013

NOA 1 - November 07, 2013

RFE - May 06, 2014

RFE Hard Copy Received - May 12, 2014 (2 passport size photo for the petitioner)

RFE Sent - May 15, 2014

NOA 2 - May 29, 2014

National Visa Center

NVC Received - 18/06/2014

Fill out DS - 261 Form & submit - 08/07/2014

Pay AOS Fee - 25/07/2014

Send AOS Package - 02/08/2014

NVC Receive AOS Package - 04/08/2014

Receive IV Bill - 28/08/2014

Send IV Package - 28/08/2014

Pay IV Bill - 30/08/2014

Case Complete - October 21, 2014

Interview Date - December 05, 2014 rescheduled from December 29, 2014

Interview Result - Approved

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Harpa Timsah Grand Master

Harpa Timsah   13,258

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Israel
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Posted

Married filing separately.

AOS for my husband
8/17/10: INTERVIEW DAY (day 123) APPROVED!!

ROC:
5/23/12: Sent out package
2/06/13: APPROVED!

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JohnR! Grand Master

JohnR!   5,495

Posted
Filed: Country: Monaco
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

Since you are married you must file as married. You can 'file jointly' if your wife currently has a SSN or ITIN; and you must include her income in Bangladesh, converted to US dollars. If she does not have a SSN/ITIN - infered, since she has never been to the US - you can file as married filing separately. The former gives you a better tax break.

Filing as 'single' would be imprudent. Once your wife is in the US and obtains a SSN you can amend your returns, if that should prove to be of financial advantage to you.

Good luck

Edited by Gegel

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BethAnn and Omar Enthusiast

BethAnn and Omar   42

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
Posted

I filed as single for all the years that my husband was in Jamaica and I was here since he has never been to this country and didn't have a ssn#. I hope that won't come back and haunt me.

August 4 2012: filed i130

December 5 2012: noa1

May 8:2013: noa2

June 3 2013: case received at NVC

August 26 2013: AOS package received at NVC

Sept 19 2013: case complete

October 1 2013: interview date received from NVC

Nov 26 2013: interview

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Zedayn Experienced

Zedayn   485

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Philippines
 Timeline
Posted

You are married, so file married filing separately.

K-1
NOA1: 04/08/2014; NOA2: 04/21/2014; Visa interview, approved: 07/15/2014; POE: 07/25/2014; Marriage: 09/05/2014

 

AOS

NOA1:  09/12/2014;  Biometrics:  10/06/2014;  EAD/AP Received:  11/26/2014;  Interview Waiver Letter:  01/02/2015;  

RFE:  07/09/2015;  Permanent Residency Granted:  07/27/2015;  Green card Received:  08/22/2015

 

ROC

NOA1:  05/24/2017;  Biometrics:  06/13/2017;  Approved without interview:  09/05/2018;  10 Yr Green card Received:  09/13/2018

 

Naturalization

08/09/2020 -- Filed N-400 online

08/09/2020 -- NOA1 date

08/11/2020 -- NOA1 received in the mail

12/30/2020 -- Received notice online that an interview was scheduled

02/11/2021 -- Interview

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pob260 Enthusiast

pob260   23

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Nepal
 Timeline
Posted

Hey guys,

I got married to my wife in Bangladesh and now I am working in the US. I applied I-130 for my wife in July and am still waiting on NOA2. I am going to be filing for my taxes this month which I will need Affidavit of Support. Since my wife is in Bangladesh and has never been in the US, should I be filing as Single or Married on my tax return?

In order to file married filing separate or married filing jointly ; you will need to have a SSN or ITIN number for your wife. Since she does not have one you will have to get her an ITIN number ( you will file W7 + required paperwork with your taxes). Since you will have to paper file , this process takes some time (2-4 months).

What I did was to file MFS with "NRA" written on her SSN field. It would have to be paper filed though. I will amend my return once my spouse gets here.

Do not file as Single your embassy could ask your wife why did he file single when he was married. ( unlikely ..but possible).

Good Luck

I-130 (California Service Center) / Category: F2A / Priority Date: Sep 6rd, 2013

I-130
2013-09-01 : I-130 Sent

  • 2013-09-03: I-130 Received
  • 2013-09-06: NOA-1
  • 2013-10-01: NOA2 approved (SMS and email from USCIS

2013-10-06: NOA2 (Hardcopy)

NVC
2013-10-15: NVC received the case

2013-10-21: Case Number , Invoice Number and BIN received

  • 2013-10-24: Choice of Agent (DS 261) filled. (AOS, IV fee not available yet)
  • 2013-10-25: Email to pay AOS fee
  • 2013-10-28: AOS payment available and paid
  • 2013-10-30: AOS Shows as "Paid"
  • 2013-11-01: Mailed i864 docs
  • 2013-11-01: IV fee available and paid
  • 2013-11-01: AOS Docs received at NVC ( Based on USPS tracking )
  • 2013-11-04 IV Supporting Docs mailed ( IV payment still shows as IN PROCESS...but moneys already withdrawn from account)
  • 2013-11-06 IV Supporting Docs received ( Based on USPS tracking )
  • 2013-11-07: IV Shows as "PAID"

2013-11-07: Received/Entered both AOS and IV in the system for review.

  • 2013-11-08: DS 260 completes and submitted.

2013-12-05: Received checklist for AOS

In Part 4. Information on the Sponsor, please correct the following...

[x] Item 12. As the petitioner sponsoring your spouse or child, you must indicate whether or not you are currently on active duty in the U.S. armed services.

In Part 6. Sponsor's Income and Employment, please correct the following...

[x] Item 10. The current annual household income must equal the sum of items 5, 6.c., 7.c., 8.c., and 9.c.

  • 2013-12-05: Sent checklist response for AOS
  • 2013-12-07: Received "false checklist": IV Docs reviewed and accepted

2013-12-11: Entered checklist for AOS into system

2014-01-06: Case Complete per call to NVC.

2014-01-29: Interview Date assigned

2014-02-03: CEAC site updated to "In Transit"

2014-03-04: Interview Date

2014-03-04: VISA APPROVED. pickup on 2013-03-06

Thanks to all
GLTA

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dens Collaborator

dens   5

Posted
Filed: Country: Philippines
 Timeline
Posted

Im married for 12 years been paying taxes for 8 years I use single (0) on the tax file because i dont have dependent to me and also my wife and kids never been in the US other mean that don't have SSN they will not be included in my tax claim, they unable to do with it even if we choose married, unless your wife or kids been in the US so you can able to claim one of them as your dependent including yourself as a married (1)

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pob260 Enthusiast

pob260   23

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Nepal
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

Im married for 12 years been paying taxes for 8 years I use single (0) on the tax file because i dont have dependent to me and also my wife and kids never been in the US other mean that don't have SSN they will not be included in my tax claim, they unable to do with it even if we choose married, unless your wife or kids been in the US so you can able to claim one of them as your dependent including yourself as a married (1)

You are paying higher taxes by not filing MFJ. Get in touch with a good tax professional or one of these guys

http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Acceptance-Agent-Program

There are provision that your wife can certify her passport at the embassy abroad and then based on that you can file W7 for your wife and kids.

And please also amend your return for the past years when you get your ITIN. Am sure you will be happy with that big refund on your amended return,

Edited by pob260

I-130 (California Service Center) / Category: F2A / Priority Date: Sep 6rd, 2013

I-130
2013-09-01 : I-130 Sent

  • 2013-09-03: I-130 Received
  • 2013-09-06: NOA-1
  • 2013-10-01: NOA2 approved (SMS and email from USCIS

2013-10-06: NOA2 (Hardcopy)

NVC
2013-10-15: NVC received the case

2013-10-21: Case Number , Invoice Number and BIN received

  • 2013-10-24: Choice of Agent (DS 261) filled. (AOS, IV fee not available yet)
  • 2013-10-25: Email to pay AOS fee
  • 2013-10-28: AOS payment available and paid
  • 2013-10-30: AOS Shows as "Paid"
  • 2013-11-01: Mailed i864 docs
  • 2013-11-01: IV fee available and paid
  • 2013-11-01: AOS Docs received at NVC ( Based on USPS tracking )
  • 2013-11-04 IV Supporting Docs mailed ( IV payment still shows as IN PROCESS...but moneys already withdrawn from account)
  • 2013-11-06 IV Supporting Docs received ( Based on USPS tracking )
  • 2013-11-07: IV Shows as "PAID"

2013-11-07: Received/Entered both AOS and IV in the system for review.

  • 2013-11-08: DS 260 completes and submitted.

2013-12-05: Received checklist for AOS

In Part 4. Information on the Sponsor, please correct the following...

[x] Item 12. As the petitioner sponsoring your spouse or child, you must indicate whether or not you are currently on active duty in the U.S. armed services.

In Part 6. Sponsor's Income and Employment, please correct the following...

[x] Item 10. The current annual household income must equal the sum of items 5, 6.c., 7.c., 8.c., and 9.c.

  • 2013-12-05: Sent checklist response for AOS
  • 2013-12-07: Received "false checklist": IV Docs reviewed and accepted

2013-12-11: Entered checklist for AOS into system

2014-01-06: Case Complete per call to NVC.

2014-01-29: Interview Date assigned

2014-02-03: CEAC site updated to "In Transit"

2014-03-04: Interview Date

2014-03-04: VISA APPROVED. pickup on 2013-03-06

Thanks to all
GLTA

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Darnell Grand Master

Darnell   8,478

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

I think single, since your wife have never been in the US before, but probably others will shed some more light on your situation, wish you all the best.

I think 'married filing seperately' unless chasing after an ITIN, then it's 'married filing jointly'.

More thinking, for you, please.

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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dirk_diggler Rising Star

dirk_diggler   107

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: India
 Timeline
Posted

In order to file married filing separate or married filing jointly ; you will need to have a SSN or ITIN number for your wife. Since she does not have one you will have to get her an ITIN number ( you will file W7 + required paperwork with your taxes). Since you will have to paper file , this process takes some time (2-4 months).

What I did was to file MFS with "NRA" written on her SSN field. It would have to be paper filed though. I will amend my return once my spouse gets here.

Do not file as Single your embassy could ask your wife why did he file single when he was married. ( unlikely ..but possible).

Good Luck

I don't believe married filing separately requires a SSN/ITIN for the beneficiary... can anyone confirm?

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Darnell Grand Master

Darnell   8,478

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

Im married for 12 years been paying taxes for 8 years I use single (0) on the tax file because i dont have dependent to me and also my wife and kids never been in the US other mean that don't have SSN they will not be included in my tax claim, they unable to do with it even if we choose married, unless your wife or kids been in the US so you can able to claim one of them as your dependent including yourself as a married (1)

there are other choices available, not the one you chose.

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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riyadc Rookie

riyadc   2

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Bangladesh
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I will be filing as Married Filing Separately. I read you are supposed to write "NRA" on the field for spouses SSN field and that I would have to mail in my return and can't efile it. Anyone know of any software such as TurboTax/TaxACT etc that will let me leave my wife's SSN field blank? TurboTax doesnt seem to let me leave it black or put in anything thats not a number.

07/03/2013: I-130 Sent

07/10/2013: NOA1 hard copy received

01/03/2014: Transferred to NSC

04/07/2014: RFE - Marriage Certificate Issues

04/17/2014: USCIS Received RFE evidence

04/24/2014: NOA2 email

04/28/2014: NVC Received

06/12/2014: Case Number, IIN given

06/12/2014: AOS/IV Fee Paid

05/28/2014: AOS/IV Packages Sent

06/18/2014: DS-260 Submitted

06/30/2014: AOS/IV Package Scanned

08/12/2014: AOS package reviewed and accepted

08/12/2014: Received NVC checklist listing all my IV documents

08/12/2014: Called NVC and told them I sent them all the listed documents, setup a supervisor review

08/21/2014: Got a call from NVC supervisor, informed me that the birth certificate we sent in was not the correct one everything else was good

08/22/2014: Mailed checklist response

08/26/2014: NVC received checklist according to FedEX tracking


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