Tax: Please Help!!

[ptrober 0]

I have struggled to work out what we need to do. Everybody seems to want to give me a different answer!

I am a non-resident. I do not have my green card yet and I arrived in July so I have not met the substantial presence test. Although I have my EAD I did not have a job at any time during 2005.

My wife is a student. She does not have a job. She has never had a job in the U.S. She did however cover a shift at the university cafe for one afternoon only. Her total gross income for 2005 according to her W2 is $27.81. There were no federal tax witholdings and only 28 cents was deducted for local state taxes.

We have had since September 2005 a joint bank account. The total interest paid in 2005 according to our 1099-INT is $14.49.

This gives a combined total of $42.30 gross income for 2005.

Do we have to even file??? If we do, can she just file a 1040A and I'll file nothing???

As an immigrant am I required to file even if I will put $0.00 in every box?

Thanks in advance!

P

[Linda&Dave 0]

Take a look at Publication 519 US Tax Guide For Aliens on the IRS website. If you are certain that you do not meet the Substantive Presence test for 2005 (183 days) then you can use Publication 519 to establish how to file as a Non-Resident Alien and even if you actually have to file anything. Sorry if I can't be more specific but 519 is a good place to start looking.

[britbird 4]

If your wife is a student then her university/college SHOULD have a free tax advise desk. I know my US university did to help students figure out their taxes. I'd start out there if i were you.