W-7 Tax Form

[hopeful1 0]

Has anyone gone to a US Embassy or Consulate abroad to get their spouse's passport copied and notarized

so that they could file it with their tax return to claim the foreign spouse? The W-7 instructions state that if a notarized passport copy is sent as proof of identity of the foreign spouse, the foreign spouse can be claimed

as a dependant.

[ullumanali 0]

You cannot claim a foreign spouse as a dependent for tax purposes. However you can claim an exemption on your tax return if you are "married, filing jointly" which is a $3,300 additional reduction of taxable income. Additionally, if you are "married filing jointly, your standard deduction goes up to $10,300.

Also see the note in the W-7 instructions: Foreign notaries are acceptable as outlined by the Hague Convention and France is a participant country. See here - http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=autho...ils&aid=321

Best,

/UM

Has anyone gone to a US Embassy or Consulate abroad to get their spouse's passport copied and notarized

so that they could file it with their tax return to claim the foreign spouse? The W-7 instructions state that if a notarized passport copy is sent as proof of identity of the foreign spouse, the foreign spouse can be claimed

as a dependant.

[The_dip_sticks 0]

I called today to the 1800 number on the w7 form, and the lady on the phone told me that if I have my husbands passport and if I dont want to send the original all I have to do is make a copy and get it notarized by any us notary public here. Is this true or was this another miss information line info? I was under the impression that the passport had to be notarized in my hubbys country or at a us embassy?

[ullumanali 0]

You're in the best position if you have your husband's passport! Just photocopy it and get it notorized by a local US notary public. Normally most Fedex Kinko locations have a visiting notary that can do it.

Best,

/UM

I called today to the 1800 number on the w7 form, and the lady on the phone told me that if I have my husbands passport and if I dont want to send the original all I have to do is make a copy and get it notarized by any us notary public here. Is this true or was this another miss information line info? I was under the impression that the passport had to be notarized in my hubbys country or at a us embassy?

[The_dip_sticks 0]

wooo hooo! finally great news about something. Im going ot get this notarized tomorrow!

[malka 0]

Your bank may provide free notary services.

[prpplague 0]

Has anyone gone to a US Embassy or Consulate abroad to get their spouse's passport copied and notarized

so that they could file it with their tax return to claim the foreign spouse? The W-7 instructions state that if a notarized passport copy is sent as proof of identity of the foreign spouse, the foreign spouse can be claimed

as a dependant.

i went everywhere to try and get a photocopy of my wife's passport notarized. i even tried getting it done at the court house. no one would notorize a copy of a passport not issued by the US government. in the end, i finally had to go directly to the local irs office where they photocopied the passport there at the same time i filed my return and W-7.

[cbd2cai 0]

If you have his passport here in the States, then you can take it to your bank to get a notarized copy (usually free).

Since I didn't have my husband's passport here (he is still in Egypt) and he didn't want to turn loose of it to send it to me (I don't blame him as it could get lost, or whatever), I went to Cairo to visit him then went to the Consulate there to get a notarized copy. He probably could have done it himself, BUT it was a good thing that I did go. It just so happens I had taken the W-7 for him to fill out (once again) and they asked for it! The person helping me told me that they wouldn't give me a notarized copy of the passport without the documents that it is supposed to be attached to! That surprised me but I did have it with me. They attached the W-7 and the copy of the passport, then it was passed on to the vice-consul to stamp and sign. Of course, it isn't free there either. It cost me $30.

If you do have to go to the Embassy/Consulate, I'd call to verify their requirements in regards to the form needing to be brought too.

Good Luck!!

Edited March 29, 2007 by cbd2cai

[hopeful1 0]

You cannot claim a foreign spouse as a dependent for tax purposes. However you can claim an exemption on your tax return if you are "married, filing jointly" which is a $3,300 additional reduction of taxable income. Additionally, if you are "married filing jointly, your standard deduction goes up to $10,300.

Also see the note in the W-7 instructions: Foreign notaries are acceptable as outlined by the Hague Convention and France is a participant country. See here - http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=autho...ils&aid=321

Best,

/UM

Has anyone gone to a US Embassy or Consulate abroad to get their spouse's passport copied and notarized

so that they could file it with their tax return to claim the foreign spouse? The W-7 instructions state that if a notarized passport copy is sent as proof of identity of the foreign spouse, the foreign spouse can be claimed

as a dependant.

Thank you for this information. You may not be able to answer this question, but if my spouse did not work in the USA in 2006 and therefore did not earn any money "here", I should still be able to file "Married Filing Jointly"? In my mind, that seems logical but I will haev to consult a tax man to be sure, and I welcome any other information in this regard.

[BelwinMills 0]

You cannot claim a foreign spouse as a dependent for tax purposes. However you can claim an exemption on your tax return if you are "married, filing jointly" which is a $3,300 additional reduction of taxable income. Additionally, if you are "married filing jointly, your standard deduction goes up to $10,300.

Also see the note in the W-7 instructions: Foreign notaries are acceptable as outlined by the Hague Convention and France is a participant country. See here - http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=autho...ils&aid=321

Best,

/UM

Has anyone gone to a US Embassy or Consulate abroad to get their spouse's passport copied and notarized

so that they could file it with their tax return to claim the foreign spouse? The W-7 instructions state that if a notarized passport copy is sent as proof of identity of the foreign spouse, the foreign spouse can be claimed

as a dependant.

Thank you for this information. You may not be able to answer this question, but if my spouse did not work in the USA in 2006 and therefore did not earn any money "here", I should still be able to file "Married Filing Jointly"? In my mind, that seems logical but I will haev to consult a tax man to be sure, and I welcome any other information in this regard.

My tax man said he had to file cause we were married in 2006. So the passport has to be notarized. My dad's sectary is a notary would this work? We are filling an extension cause he will be here at the end of May. He has to drive 5 hours to get this done to a dangerous place in his country and we will not take that risk.

[ullumanali 0]

Thank you for this information. You may not be able to answer this question, but if my spouse did not work in the USA in 2006 and therefore did not earn any money "here", I should still be able to file "Married Filing Jointly"? In my mind, that seems logical but I will haev to consult a tax man to be sure, and I welcome any other information in this regard.

Yes, even if your foreign spouse has not earned a dollar in US you can file as "married, filing jointly".... however best to consult a good tax professional to get everything in order.

Best,

/UM

[ullumanali 0]

My tax man said he had to file cause we were married in 2006. So the passport has to be notarized. My dad's sectary is a notary would this work? We are filling an extension cause he will be here at the end of May. He has to drive 5 hours to get this done to a dangerous place in his country and we will not take that risk.

I don't think the secretary's notary will work. Who is coming in May - your Dad or husband? If your husband is coming in May he will ikely have the passport with him so you can get it notarized here in the US since you are filing for a tax extension.

/UM

[tuesday03 0]

Hello !

We are dealing with the same issue. My wife and I married at the end of 2006. So we are eligible for filing a joint tax return, even though she did not earn money in the USA during 2006. Correct ?

I think we would like to do this ... I hear it is good to bring a joint tax return for evidence during he interview ....

So with the joint tax return, we will send in the W7 form, and a notorized copy of my wife's passport. Is that it ?

Thanks!

[hopeful1 0]

Hello !

We are dealing with the same issue. My wife and I married at the end of 2006. So we are eligible for filing a joint tax return, even though she did not earn money in the USA during 2006. Correct ?

I think we would like to do this ... I hear it is good to bring a joint tax return for evidence during he interview ....

So with the joint tax return, we will send in the W7 form, and a notorized copy of my wife's passport. Is that it ?

Thanks!

Yes this is the process of filing with a W-7. Please note that the the IRS in Austin, Texas and not through the normal channels. This address is on the W-7 instructions. I am going to visit my wife in Paris and will go to the US Embassy, where there is also an IRS office. I am thinking that this could be the way to go for me while I am visiting there. I will take the completed W-7 form, my marriage license, and copies of all my wifes passport pages to have them notarized. Good luck with yours and here's hoping

[Carl & Susan 0]

My wife got a certified copy of her passport at the US embassy in Kampala the other day. Once she made it through the security gauntlet (who from personal experience can be quite rude), she said the person she dealt with was quite pleasant. She had to wait about an hour and a half for someone to help her once inside.

It cost $30 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy (I asked her to make two copies, just in case)

She's sending it express, hopefully I'll get it by tax day.