Claim my wife as a dependent while being abroad

[A.R 0]

Hi Everyone, 

 

In preparation for this tax season, I'm just wondering how I can claim my wife as a dependent. we got married and filed I-130 2 months ago. she has never been to the USA. I have done  a lot of research online and I'm really confused. 

 

as far as know she should have an ITIN to be able to claim her as a dependent. 

 

Now, I have a certified copy of her passport and W7 form completed and signed by her. 

 

So, do I have to have any additional documents? and what is the next sept to get her an ITIN. 

 

Thank you so much, I really do appreciate you assistance,

   

 

[JeanneAdil 6,499]

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/nonresident-alien-spouse

 

follow the guidelines on the IRS site 

and you will need original  marriage certificate along with the tax returns

you should have a POA from her giving you permission to sign her name on 1040

the only time to apply for I ITIN is when you do tax filing in 2021 (ASAP actually helps a lot-don't wait till April 15th)

you send all documents along with 1040 filing married joint if you want the extra deduction 

and the 1040 must be paper filing / sites for online don't allow for W7 and documentation that is needed to be sent

 

congratulations on your marriage

 

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

Spouse is never a dependent.

[JeanneAdil 6,499]

23 minutes ago, NancyNguyen said:

Spouse is never a dependent.

if you look at the way we use to do old forms,  it said "including yourself,  how many dependents are you claiming?"

and if you look at current 1040 to the sentence just under address it asks if you will be doing  "standard deduction  your spouse as dependent"

IRS is concerned with income and taxes and everyone living in a house is dependent on the claimed income as dependent on that money

spouse may be partner to u but not to IRS

Edited November 4, 2020 by JeanneAdil

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

1 minute ago, JeanneAdil said:

if you look at the way we use to do old forms,  it said "including yourself,  how many dependents are you claiming?"

and if you look at current 1040 to the sentence just under address it says "standard deduction"   your spouse as dependent

 

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/six-important-facts-about-dependents-and-exemptions-0#:~:text=Your spouse is never considered your dependent.&text=If you're filing a,the dependent of another taxpayer.

[JeanneAdil 6,499]

OP headline says "can i claim my wife as dependent"  so guess  you are saying he can't

 

[payxibka 10,045]

15 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

OP headline says "can i claim my wife as dependent"  so guess  you are saying he can't

 

He can file jointly with his spouse.   He cannot claim her as a dependent 

[A.R 0]

I'm not sure I used the right term, but this is exactly what I meant. 

[A.R 0]

2 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/nonresident-alien-spouse

 

follow the guidelines on the IRS site 

and you will need original  marriage certificate along with the tax returns

you should have a POA from her giving you permission to sign her name on 1040

the only time to apply for I ITIN is when you do tax filing in 2021 (ASAP actually helps a lot-don't wait till April 15th)

you send all documents along with 1040 filing married joint if you want the extra deduction 

and the 1040 must be paper filing / sites for online don't allow for W7 and documentation that is needed to be sent

 

congratulations on your marriage

 

Thank you so much for the information. 

I'm reviewing the IRS rules on that link and probably I will get back to you with more question .

 

thanks again. 

[Pinkrlion 2,719]

Why not file, married separately

[SalishSea 17,829]

1 hour ago, Pinkrlion said:

Why not file, married separately

Because it cuts the standard deduction in half.

[PatLuvO 284]

5 hours ago, A.R said:

I'm not sure I used the right term, but this is exactly what I meant. 

Are you referring to exemptions? 

[Diane and Chris 651]

Your spouse in an exemption. 

[Ryan H 3,812]

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

[carmel34 3,626]

19 hours ago, A.R said:

Now, I have a certified copy of her passport and W7 form completed and signed by her.

When you file your 2020 taxes with the IRS (early in 2021), you can file as married jointly for the lower tax liability.  Include the certified copy of her passport and completed and signed W7 with the paper 1040, which she will also need to sign, and submit everything to the IRS.  Do more research on claiming her as a US resident for tax purposes on the IRS website.  To do that you'll also need to include a signed statement.  You have lots of time to get everything ready to submit next year.  Good luck!