Filing Taxes

[Fmert001 127]

Hello VJ family,

I married my husband in May of 2017. I'm trying to do my taxes for 2017 and I'm trying to understand how to go about it the best way. I'm in the middle of cr1 process right now and I don't want any problems for NVC. Can I just file single and then do an amendment??? Getting documents from Haiti is like pulling teeth..... the only thing I have is his birth certificate and notarized copy.

 

 

[geowrian 22,338]

You're not going to find anybody on VJ suggesting you lie on your taxes (not to mention that it will probably negatively impact the CO's decision). Single is not a valid filing status for anybody married on the last day of the year.

 

Why can't you do Married Filing Separately (MFS)? What documents would you need for her then?

[Fmert001 127]

1 minute ago, geowrian said:

You're not going to find anybody on VJ suggesting you lie on your taxes (not to mention that it will probably negatively impact the CO's decision). Single is not a valid filing status for anybody married on the last day of the year.

 

Why can't you do Married Filing Separately (MFS)? What documents would you need for her then?

From what I have been reading I need to get his passport but the problem it's a nightmare to get paperwork in Haiti.... 

[Fmert001 127]

5 minutes ago, Dee elle said:

You must file married    

 Can I use his birth certificate to file for the itin??

[bakphx1 789]

You should use the passport.  Is a reliable service such as DHL or FedEx available?  I used DHL for my husband's and sending it back and forth to Central America was a tad nerve racking, but it was fine.  You need to then get an ITIN acceptance agent.  SSA will want him to go in person.  The upside is that the married tax credit will make it all worth! 

[Fmert001 127]

2 hours ago, bakphx1@aol.com said:

You should use the passport.  Is a reliable service such as DHL or FedEx available?  I used DHL for my husband's and sending it back and forth to Central America was a tad nerve racking, but it was fine.  You need to then get an ITIN acceptance agent.  SSA will want him to go in person.  The upside is that the married tax credit will make it all worth! 

Oh ok thanks but the problem he can't go in person he is in Haiti 

[Fmert001 127]

2 hours ago, Dee elle said:

Don’t know   .... but the answer to that question should be easily found on the IRS website

 

i looked it up. You need at least one document that has a photo... and need to identify foreign national and identity... 

Passort  will do for both, or BOTH foreign drivers licence and birth certificate 

The issue is getting the paperwork here 

Edited February 6, 2018 by Fmert001
Thank you so much

[bakphx1 789]

5 hours ago, Fmert001 said:

The issue is getting the paperwork here 

Is it an issue of a reliable service? You say it's hard to get the paperwork, but I can't tell if getting a passport is the issue or just mailing it is.  He has to have a passport to complete the I-130, so he can't get a visa without it.   If it's an issue of shipping, check DHL or else choose married filing separately if DHL is not reliable enough.  It's expensive but the tax credit filing as married makes up for it. 

[Fmert001 127]

18 minutes ago, bakphx1@aol.com said:

Is it an issue of a reliable service? You say it's hard to get the paperwork, but I can't tell if getting a passport is the issue or just mailing it is.  He has to have a passport to complete the I-130, so he can't get a visa without it.   If it's an issue of shipping, check DHL or else choose married filing separately if DHL is not reliable enough.  It's expensive but the tax credit filing as married makes up for it. 

He has one the shipping is the issue but thank you so much 

[j&ana 363]

 you can file married filing separate, but do not claim your husband  as a  exemption on  your tax form.  When your husband arrive in USA and get his SS number amend your tax return to married filing jointly and claim exemption for him

 from the instructions of 1040 tax form

　

Nonresident Alien Spouse

If your spouse is a nonresident alien, he or she must have either an SSN or an ITIN if:

You file a joint return,

You file a separate return and claim an exemption for your spouse, or

Your spouse is filing a separate re-turn

 

 notice the word if in  the statements above   only if  you do any of the  above does your husband need SS number now

 

Here is the link 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

 

Edited February 10, 2018 by j&ana

[Fmert001 127]

4 hours ago, j&ana said:

 you can file married filing separate, but do not claim your husband  as a  exemption on  your tax form.  When your husband arrive in USA and get his SS number amend your tax return to married filing jointly and claim exemption for him

 from the instructions of 1040 tax form

　

Nonresident Alien Spouse

If your spouse is a nonresident alien, he or she must have either an SSN or an ITIN if:

You file a joint return,

You file a separate return and claim an exemption for your spouse, or

Your spouse is filing a separate re-turn

 

 notice the word if in  the statements above   only if  you do any of the  above does your husband need SS number now

 

Here is the link 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

 

Thank you!!!! I just have mail it in now 

[Ryan H 3,819]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Progress Reports to Tax & Finances During US Immigration forum.