I accidentally filed single on my tax returns for the past 2 yrs

[gpmaan 0]

As the title states, i have been finlge under a single status on my tax returns for the past 2 yrs. This did'nt even cross my mind until recently. When i filed my returns back then, I was told that there's really no point filing under married because my wife is not even a resident here nor does she work here.

I did change the status to "married" a week ago by filing a W4 with my HR. Is this going to be a huge issue and may eventually affect my petition for my spouse?

Pls advice

[Malrothien 6]

It will not affect your petition, but I would file amendments for the two years you filed single.

[gpmaan 0]

It will not affect your petition, but I would file amendments for the two years you filed single.

Thanks, how do I do this?

[PK and PK 13]

It will not affect your petition, but I would file amendments for the two years you filed single.

Thanks, how do I do this?

You can call the IRS helpline to confirm but I believe it is 1040X form.

[gpmaan 0]

You can call the IRS helpline to confirm but I believe it is 1040X form.

I believe you are correct. I just need to find an accountant to do this for me. Some lines seems to be straight forward but, im confused on some parts.

[Bethany 1]

If I remember correctly from the last time I did my taxes, you can't file as married if your spouse is not a resident with a SSN. I tried and it wouldn't work. I don't think you have anything to worry about...but calling the helpline would prob give you peace of mind. Good luck!

[DouglasFiel 53]

The paper you file with Hr is not the same as how you filed your tax returns... the W-4 filed with HR is merely for Tax withholding purposes,,, Filing single would cause more taxes to be with-held. So no big deal there... Filing your taxes as single when you are married,, will most likely have cost you money,,, Single rates are higher with less standardized deductions. Might want to revise your tax returns for past two years (if that was the case) to get a refund you are entitled to... Plus some more Obama-Rebate money,,,

Good Luck and Regards

[Magicfn1 0]

At work, I can't file as married because my wife is a non-resident alien so I don't think I'll have trouble.

[christeen 966]

You can file as married filing seperatly (cannot do e-file if the spouse does not have SSN, but you can paper file) or like others have suggested, file to ammend the taxes once they get a SSN and you might get a few $$$$ in returns!!!!

[Señora Bonita 0]

At work, I can't file as married because my wife is a non-resident alien so I don't think I'll have trouble.

You can file a married joint return even if your wife is a non-resient alien and has no SS number. When you file the joint return for 2009, be sure to attach Form W-7 (Application for Indivudual Tax Identification Number). The hitch here is that her foreign income must be included in the joint return.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf