Confusion over how to file 2009 Tax Returns...

[Josh-and-Leona 0]

Hey all!

I am trying to go ahead and get my Tax Returns out fo the way so I can qualify for students loans and am having some difficulties.

My wife and I got married in late Nov of last year. I was a student last year working part-time. My wife was also a student in Ireland and worked part-time over the summer.

Since are past-years income is not that large the tax benefits are not a main concern for us this year. Also we have just applied for the AOS and my wife already has a SS card.

1)If we filed jointly, would she need to include the income she made in Ireland over the summer? Would filing as married but separate be easier for us?

2) I was thinking that using a 1040EZ form would be easiest in this situation, is this correct?

3) Lastly, this is my first time filing - I was going to do it on TaxACT.com since you can file fad tax returns for free - but have heard a lot about TurboTAX. Which method is most recommended to file a simple return?

Thanks!!

[rin and john 71]

Hey all!

I am trying to go ahead and get my Tax Returns out fo the way so I can qualify for students loans and am having some difficulties.

My wife and I got married in late Nov of last year. I was a student last year working part-time. My wife was also a student in Ireland and worked part-time over the summer.

Since are past-years income is not that large the tax benefits are not a main concern for us this year. Also we have just applied for the AOS and my wife already has a SS card.

1)If we filed jointly, would she need to include the income she made in Ireland over the summer? Would filing as married but separate be easier for us?

2) I was thinking that using a 1040EZ form would be easiest in this situation, is this correct?

3) Lastly, this is my first time filing - I was going to do it on TaxACT.com since you can file fad tax returns for free - but have heard a lot about TurboTAX. Which method is most recommended to file a simple return?

Thanks!!

By using tax software, you will be able to change the forms and try different scenarios. With little income, filing MFJ will probably work best. The foreign income will be excluded filing form 2555 (tax software should take care of it).

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/article/0,,id=182017,00.html

Also, check out publication 519.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p519/index.html

Also, tax credits exist for education and have been increased this year (my youngest daughter is in college, got very little credit for TY 2008; increased substantially - about $2,500 - for TY 2009). Spending some time on the IRS website and with the tax software may pay big dividends for you.

Edited January 30, 2010 by rin and john

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

Here's a 2009 tax thread that may give you some insight into filing jointly. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=235947

It's in the "Moving Here and Your New Life In America" forum.