confused about filing taxes jointly

[thespoons 33]

I have been reading posts and the IRS site about married filing jointly. I am now more confused on how to file as there are so much info. A bit of a background, I got my greencard last December 2015. Although I haven't worked here in the US during the 2nd half of the year, I did work in the Philippines during the first half.

1. Since I wasnt a resident for the whole year, do we need to send an election letter (to be treated as a resident for the whole year)?

2. What forms do we need to attach to exclude my income from taxes?

3. Husband has been using turbotax for his taxes, is this a good app to file since we have a bit of complex case?

Thanks!

[MariaR323 199]

I have been reading posts and the IRS site about married filing jointly. I am now more confused on how to file as there are so much info. A bit of a background, I got my greencard last December 2015. Although I haven't worked here in the US during the 2nd half of the year, I did work in the Philippines during the first half.

1. Since I wasnt a resident for the whole year, do we need to send an election letter (to be treated as a resident for the whole year)? Yes, to use the MFJ status you send the election letter.

2. What forms do we need to attach to exclude my income from taxes? This would be Form 2555.

3. Husband has been using turbotax for his taxes, is this a good app to file since we have a bit of complex case? I'm pretty sure TurboTax can handle this. I'm not too familiar with the different versions and offerings but you can always double check the forms included to make sure it has what you need.

Thanks!

[thespoons 33]

Thanks. I was pretty sure we need to have an election letter (lol husband and i have been discussing about this). I would need to see turbo tax if we can upload the letter online...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks. I was pretty sure we need to have an election letter (lol husband and i have been discussing about this). I would need to see turbo tax if we can upload the letter online...

Print a paper return from TurboTax and send your signed abatement with it in the mail. There is no statement inclusion with an e-file. That's exactly what the IRS told me to do.

You mentioned he used the TurboTax app...like for a phone or iPad? Not very good. Too abbreviated and limited for you. Buy the software and install on a computer this year for best results. Even the cheapest version includes Form 2555 Foreign Income Exclusion. If you have state income tax as well, you may need to look for one that includes state returns. But all versions allow the option to add on later. "Need a state return? Click here and enter your credit card number to unlock your state return" I don't have a state return and I have to keep saying No no no, quit offering to sell me state software.

[thespoons 33]

Print a paper return from TurboTax and send your signed abatement with it in the mail. There is no statement inclusion with an e-file. That's exactly what the IRS told me to do.

You mentioned he used the TurboTax app...like for a phone or iPad? Not very good. Too abbreviated and limited for you. Buy the software and install on a computer this year for best results. Even the cheapest version includes Form 2555 Foreign Income Exclusion. If you have state income tax as well, you may need to look for one that includes state returns. But all versions allow the option to add on later. "Need a state return? Click here and enter your credit card number to unlock your state return" I don't have a state return and I have to keep saying No no no, quit offering to sell me state software.

Thanks for the info. Yep we do have state tax so I guess we would need to get that add on.

Do we need to send a letter of election for both state and federal? And when we do send it in the mail, we cant do an efile at all right?

Hehehe sorry for all the questions, this is so new to me.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks for the info. Yep we do have state tax so I guess we would need to get that add on.

Do we need to send a letter of election for both state and federal? And when we do send it in the mail, we cant do an efile at all right?

Hehehe sorry for all the questions, this is so new to me.

I don't know anything about state income tax because I have never had to do it.

A printed tax return with a printed statement included goes in the mail instead e- filing the federal return. My info came from the IRS so that is how I did it. I actually called and asked two different people. They both said No e-file the year you need to write a statement.

Call them yourself and ask what to do for this year. Maybe a new twist.

Edited January 18, 2016 by Nich-Nick

[thespoons 33]

I don't know anything about state income tax because I have never had to do it.

A printed tax return with a printed statement included goes in the mail instead e- filing the federal return. My info came from the IRS so that is how I did it. I actually called and asked two different people. They both said No e-file the year you need to write a statement.

Gotcha. Thanks!

Did sending it thru mail delayed the refund processing or does it have the same timeline as doing the efile? Hehe just curious.