Taxes and the new year

[Ironman140 45]

just looking to find out the best way to file, after getting married on a K1.

found one link

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235947-filing-2009-us-taxes/

if anyone can share more info. Please do

thank you

please move if I posted this in the wrong place

[Dustin C 12]

After installing Turbo Tax today, I also had the same question....

My wife has a SSN but she hasn't worked and isn't allowed to work just yet....

[bigdog 376]

File as married, 0 income for spouse. we are in same boat/

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to Moving Here and Your New Life In America.

[Ironman140 45]

File as married, 0 income for spouse. we are in same boat/

even if she earned income over seas ???

[BlueBonnet 84]

To my understanding, if I for example earned money in Canada within 2011, that money is reported to the Canadian Gov., if I inturn I didnt earn money in the USA in 2011 I have nothing to report to the US gov. except to say, I earned 0. The US gov. isnt intereseted in my Canadian earnings, and the Canadian Gov. ( in my case ) isnt interested in my US earnings. There is also a 7 month rule about being in the country, and for those who it pertains to there is a 6 month married rule.

Also to my understanding Turbo tax is made to be easy to file with, and doesnt give alot of the more difficult situations a fair area. If you are truly concerned you need to hire a tax preparer so that you can ask these questions, and I wouldnt recommend the big "box" stores for this.

[Ironman140 45]

To my understanding, if I for example earned money in Canada within 2011, that money is reported to the Canadian Gov., if I inturn I didnt earn money in the USA in 2011 I have nothing to report to the US gov. except to say, I earned 0. The US gov. isnt intereseted in my Canadian earnings, and the Canadian Gov. ( in my case ) isnt interested in my US earnings. There is also a 7 month rule about being in the country, and for those who it pertains to there is a 6 month married rule.

Also to my understanding Turbo tax is made to be easy to file with, and doesnt give alot of the more difficult situations a fair area. If you are truly concerned you need to hire a tax preparer so that you can ask these questions, and I wouldnt recommend the big "box" stores for this.

6 or 7Month rule ?? you mean in order claim someone on your taxes ??

[BlueBonnet 84]

The 7 month rule is towards the non citizen and how long they have been in the country, the 6 months is for married couples.

[scotinmass 588]

even if she earned income over seas ???

Any money you earned before becoming a US resident is irrelevant for US taxes.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96734,00.html

[Guinness 3]

The 7 month rule is towards the non citizen and how long they have been in the country, the 6 months is for married couples.

just so I understand correctly, your say we must be married for 6 months before I can claim her on my taxes ??

we only got married in December, but she has spent over 6 months here this year using VWP. but only got SS number in November.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

just so I understand correctly, your say we must be married for 6 months before I can claim her on my taxes ??

we only got married in December, but she has spent over 6 months here this year using VWP. but only got SS number in November.

Check this link:

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96734,00.html

Edited January 14, 2012 by ☼

[Guinness 3]

Check this link:

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96734,00.html

thanks looking now :thumbs:

[Guinness 3]

Check this link:

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96734,00.html

Well still a little confused :unsure: she did not earn any income and we have No W-2.

So how do I report her income aside from some government assistance Not USA. just enter Zero? then attach a statement saying we wish to file jointly?

I guess Filing electrically is out ???

Edited January 14, 2012 by Guinness

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Well still a little confused :unsure: she did not earn any income and we have No W-2.

So how do I report her income aside from some government assistance Not USA. just enter Zero? then attach a statement saying we wish to file jointly?

I guess Filing electrically is out ???

You have to file a paper return, since you have to include the required statement. You can go ahead and report any income she received without worry, because there is a huge exemption for income overseas once she met the requirement to live overseas for 18 months or more. Just make a best estimate of her income, in US Dollars. Unless she made lots of money, it really won't matter what you put, it will be all exempted.

Edited January 14, 2012 by ☼