F2A and Joint Tax Return

[ik2011 2]

Hello All,

We are considering filing Joint Tax Returns for year 2011. I've read about it and I know it is possible even with spouse being abroad. But I am still confused about certain things. If we are doing electronic filing, do we have to send the paperwork abroad for his signature? Will there be a delay because we have to wait to get ITIN?

Those who have done this before, please share your experiences. I want to make sure there won't be a delay/complications because of this.

Thanks.

[Ning 619]

Hello All,

We are considering filing Joint Tax Returns for year 2011. I've read about it and I know it is possible even with spouse being abroad. But I am still confused about certain things. If we are doing electronic filing, do we have to send the paperwork abroad for his signature? Will there be a delay because we have to wait to get ITIN?

Those who have done this before, please share your experiences. I want to make sure there won't be a delay/complications because of this.

Thanks.

Begin by reading about what you have to do to get the ITIN number. It takes longer than you may think & involves sending some info.

The return is than filed at an address in Texas. I dont think you can file this on line. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to process the return unless something changed.

[Jojo92122 1,924]

Hello All,

We are considering filing Joint Tax Returns for year 2011. I've read about it and I know it is possible even with spouse being abroad. But I am still confused about certain things. If we are doing electronic filing, do we have to send the paperwork abroad for his signature? Will there be a delay because we have to wait to get ITIN?

Those who have done this before, please share your experiences. I want to make sure there won't be a delay/complications because of this.

Thanks.

Your 2011 Federal Tax Return is not due until April 2012, so you have plenty of time.

You will need an ITIN for your wife.

Your wife must elect to be taxed as a US resident, which means all her income in India is subject to US taxation.

With an e-filing, she signs the return electronically.

[ik2011 2]

Begin by reading about what you have to do to get the ITIN number. It takes longer than you may think & involves sending some info.

The return is than filed at an address in Texas. I dont think you can file this on line. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to process the return unless something changed.

Thank you. Can you be more specific as to what would be the "some info" that I need to send other than certified copy of spouse's passport?

[ik2011 2]

Your 2011 Federal Tax Return is not due until April 2012, so you have plenty of time.

You will need an ITIN for your wife.

Your wife must elect to be taxed as a US resident, which means all her income in India is subject to US taxation.

With an e-filing, she signs the return electronically.

Thank you. I would like to file as early after 1st Jan as possible, for other reasons than immigration. That's why I am trying to plan ahead. I know the spouse must elect as US resident and we understand its implications. Does the spouse have to do anything other than passing his income info and supporting documentation and copy of passport?

Please anyone who has done this before share their experience.

Thanks

[Ning 619]

Thank you. Can you be more specific as to what would be the "some info" that I need to send other than certified copy of spouse's passport?

Below find the info directly from the IRS which you can do yourself by simply using Google.

If you are any of the following, you must file a return:

A nonresident alien individual engaged or considered to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States during the year. You must file even if:

Your income did not come from a trade or business conducted in the United States,

You have no income from U.S. sources, or

Your income is exempt from income tax.

However, if your only U.S. source income is wages in an amount less than the personal exemption amount (see Publication 501), you are not required to file.

How do I apply for an ITIN?

Use the latest revision of Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply. Attach a valid federal income tax return, unless you qualify for an exception, and include your original, notarized, or certified proof of identity and foreign status documents.

Because you are filing your tax return as an attachment to your ITIN application, you should not mail your return to the address listed in the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ instructions. Instead, send your return, Form W-7 and proof of identity and foreign status documents to:

Internal Revenue Service

Austin Service Center

ITIN Operation

P.O. Box 149342

Austin, TX 78714-9342

[ik2011 2]

Below find the info directly from the IRS which you can do yourself by simply using Google.

If you are any of the following, you must file a return:

A nonresident alien individual engaged or considered to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States during the year. You must file even if:

Your income did not come from a trade or business conducted in the United States,

You have no income from U.S. sources, or

Your income is exempt from income tax.

However, if your only U.S. source income is wages in an amount less than the personal exemption amount (see Publication 501), you are not required to file.

How do I apply for an ITIN?

Use the latest revision of Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply. Attach a valid federal income tax return, unless you qualify for an exception, and include your original, notarized, or certified proof of identity and foreign status documents.

Because you are filing your tax return as an attachment to your ITIN application, you should not mail your return to the address listed in the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ instructions. Instead, send your return, Form W-7 and proof of identity and foreign status documents to:

Internal Revenue Service

Austin Service Center

ITIN Operation

P.O. Box 149342

Austin, TX 78714-9342

I've read all that before, thank you for pasting it though. This still doesn't answer my questions in the OP.

[listeria 14]

Hello All,

We are considering filing Joint Tax Returns for year 2011. I've read about it and I know it is possible even with spouse being abroad. But I am still confused about certain things. If we are doing electronic filing, do we have to send the paperwork abroad for his signature? Will there be a delay because we have to wait to get ITIN?

Those who have done this before, please share your experiences. I want to make sure there won't be a delay/complications because of this.

Thanks.

I joint-filed for 2010 this past January. My spouse lives abroad. You can not just apply for ITIN. What you have to do is when are ready to 2011 Tax return in 2012, send the paper based TAX RETURN along with Application to get ITIN # with a copy of your spouse's passport (attested by Notary Pulic). REMEMBER you can not do E-filing when applying for ITIN for your spouse.

IRS will process ITIN first, assign ITIN # and then process ur Tax Return. You can also file STATE taxes by paper-based method, but state will later ask ur spouse's ITIN, by that time you will have letter from IRS wwith ITIN no for ur spouse.

Edited October 30, 2011 by listeria

[ik2011 2]

I joint-filed for 2010 this past January. My spouse lives abroad. You can not just apply for ITIN. What you have to do is when are ready to 2011 Tax return in 2012, send the paper based TAX RETURN along with Application to get ITIN # with a copy of your spouse's passport (attested by Notary Pulic). REMEMBER you can not do E-filing when applying for ITIN for your spouse.

IRS will process ITIN first, assign ITIN # and then process ur Tax Return. You can also file STATE taxes by paper-based method, but state will later ask ur spouse's ITIN, by that time you will have letter from IRS wwith ITIN no for ur spouse.

Thank you very much. That was the information I was looking for. How long did the whole process take? While doing paper filing, usually both the filers have to sign. Is that waived when spouse lives abroad?

[Ning 619]

Thank you very much. That was the information I was looking for. How long did the whole process take? While doing paper filing, usually both the filers have to sign. Is that waived when spouse lives abroad?

That info is indicated right here. It is in fact the info you said you wanted. This is written to inform the person requiring the ITIN number.

It clearly says that person needs a Vaild tax return. That means they have to sign it. If they dont it is rejected just as your would be. It also clearly says they need a NOTARIZED or CERTIFIED proof of identity.

How do I apply for an ITIN?

Use the latest revision of Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply. Attach a valid federal income tax return, unless you qualify for an exception, and include your original, notarized, or certified proof of identity and foreign status documents.

Because you are filing your tax return as an attachment to your ITIN application, you should not mail your return to the address listed in the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ instructions. Instead, send your return, Form W-7 and proof of identity and foreign status documents to:

[Mourad81 20]

I joint-filed for 2010 this past January. My spouse lives abroad. You can not just apply for ITIN. What you have to do is when are ready to 2011 Tax return in 2012, send the paper based TAX RETURN along with Application to get ITIN # with a copy of your spouse's passport (attested by Notary Pulic). REMEMBER you can not do E-filing when applying for ITIN for your spouse.

IRS will process ITIN first, assign ITIN # and then process ur Tax Return. You can also file STATE taxes by paper-based method, but state will later ask ur spouse's ITIN, by that time you will have letter from IRS wwith ITIN no for ur spouse.

hi,When you said When you are ready to fill 2011 Tax Return that means after you get your W2 forms for 2011 by the end of january? and for the TAX RETURN we need to send mine along with the W-7 application form?

thanks.

[Abdul2 10]

It's a fairly easy process. You have to submit your tax files and the ITIN application.

About notary , your wife can do it from the US consulate in the city where she is now.

Also ask the refund to be direct deposited to your account coz otherwise you will be stuck with the check .

It doesn't take much time to be processed.

[ik2011 2]

It's a fairly easy process. You have to submit your tax files and the ITIN application.

About notary , your wife can do it from the US consulate in the city where she is now.

Also ask the refund to be direct deposited to your account coz otherwise you will be stuck with the check .

It doesn't take much time to be processed.

Thank you very much. I've the certified copy of the passport, so I assume notarization is not required. I will have the income documentation early Jan. Only question that remains is, once I have everything ready, do I have to send it to the foreign country for the spouse's signature? I am trying to avoid any unnecessary delay.

[ik2011 2]

hi,When you said When you are ready to fill 2011 Tax Return that means after you get your W2 forms for 2011 by the end of january? and for the TAX RETURN we need to send mine along with the W-7 application form?

thanks.

I assume YES is the answer to both your questions, but I will let the experts chime in.