Preparing to file taxes...

[fbadshah 0]

Hello all,

I've seen similar posts regarding tax filing and wanted to get a few questions clarified. I am getting ready to prepare my taxes and I was looking at the options of filing "Married Filing Jointly" (MFJ) or "Married Filing Separate." (MFS)

In my situation, I am planning on filing MFS since my wife does not have an SSN, plus I don't plan on her adding her as an exemption for this tax return. My wife just started working so I wouldn't be claming her as a dependent either. And to add more to it, I looked into the process of obtaining an ITIN, and since my wife is in India...it will be very hard to get original documents (i.e passport) or certified copies of documents. So based on these factors...MFS is falling into my favor.

So here are my questions.

1. Since I am taking the MFS route - have there been any questions raised/issues when NVC reviews my tax returns? For example, would it matter if I file MFS vs MFJ? How about in the visa interview process?

I heard instances where they ask if a married couple filed a joint tax return. The ideal world is a married couple files a joint tax return...but in my case I feel that MFS will suffice. We are planning on filing a joint tax return once she is in the states. She will get her SSN and I can then claim her as a dependent too.

2. When filing MFS - I can put my wifes information on there, and for SSN field - I am planning to put Non Residential Alien (NRA). Is this okay? I've heard different answers on this forum...so I wasn't sure about this.

3. I was thinking of filing my taxes with HR block this time...since they are well known and have a good reputation. Any suggestions on this?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

[jsumner86 403]

My wife's CPA just recently did her tax return for her as I'm not in the country yet, or have a SSN.

He did MFS route, and NRA for social security number for spouse.

I think there was a fee she had to do for the IRS with the filing, I'm not sure what for guessing it had something to do with the the MFS route. He did give her the option of getting out of the payment by applying for an ITIN, or to fill out a 2555 for foreign income exclusion.

There was no reason to do more paperwork or file for an ITIN especially when he agreed it was best to pay the small fee when we will be in the states later on this year and I will be applying for a SSN.

Hope that helps .

Edited February 17, 2014 by jsumner86

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Yes, H&R Block works for blank SSN input.

You leave it blank for the spouse, and the next page asks why you have left it blank. One of the options says something like "spouse is non-resident citizen/alien". It accepts that and the return goes through as normal. No need to paper file.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to General Immigration-Related Discussion.

[fbadshah 0]

Thanks for all of the advice.

Will it matter if I file MFS when it goes to NVC to review? And how about during the visa interview process?

Thanks!