H4 SSN for Non Work Purpose

[Asif Siddiqi 0]

My spouse will be working on H1B from this June. I've received H4 through her. I'll primarily keep working in Saudi Arabia, but planning to transfer my income to US bank account from Saudi Arabia. I'm assuming that i'll have to pay tax over it as well.

Does this makes me eligible to have an SSN?

[VENDEX 0]

Under existing Immigration Regs, you are not eligible for a SSN. Since you are a dependent of a H1B, you may request an ITIN from IRS that allow you to file taxes.

[Boiler 43,430]

ITIN the way to go.

[aaron2020 11,651]

My spouse will be working on H1B from this June. I've received H4 through her. I'll primarily keep working in Saudi Arabia, but planning to transfer my income to US bank account from Saudi Arabia. I'm assuming that i'll have to pay tax over it as well.

Does this makes me eligible to have an SSN?

As a H-4 visa holder, you cannot get a SSN. You can get an ITIN.

As a H-4 visa holder who will primarily be outside the US, you may or may not be subject to US taxes.

As a foreign national who does not meet the green card test, you would need to use the substantial presence test to see if you are require to file US taxes.

You may not need to file in the first few years under te substantial presence test. However, you may be required to file US taxes in subsequent years.

Transferring your money to the US is not a taxable event. The US lovess your money so you can import it tax free. Furthermore, we love if you use your foreign wealth to improve our economy. So, no US taxes for foreign individuals to bring legally earned money to the US (and then spend it here).

Even though you may not be required to file as a US taxpayer, you can always volunteer to be a US taxpayer if you want to file a joint return with your spouse.

You need to see a qualified accountant who can determine which is the best way to go.

Edited June 18, 2013 by aaron2020