Cr1 in progress & 2014 taxes

[ChristinaG 91]

So I think I've got somewhat of a handle on this, if I may just use this as sounding board or correct me if I'm wrong

Hubby and I married in 2014 (He is the USC, I am a Canadian). We are about half-way through the Immigration (CR1) process and expect to be able to do POE **fingers crossed** before Labour Day so that the children can be registered for school.

I do not meet the IRS's Substantial Presence requirements; I have not earned any income in the US (still live/work in Canada).... so I do not have to file a US tax return.

I know we file married (either Jointly with the ITIN or Separately and can amend to Jointly later) or we can ask for an extension on his 2014 return and file MFJ when we move to the US....

And I still file my 2014 Canadian taxes, which only lists him as a USC spouse....

Does this sound about right? I'm thinking the MFS with a possible adjustment to MFJ later (if it benefits us) is probably our best option so that when we send in our paperwork to NVC everything is current and up to date....

Thanks!!

[Darnell 8,478]

oh, i would file MFJ and chase the ITIN - sure - it's an all-paper return filed to the special ITIN intake address in Austin Texas, but so what?

great relationship fodder/evidence for interview day.

include a cover letter stating that you two are electing to have foreign spouse treated as a resident alien for tax purposes.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Darnell

[ChristinaG 91]

my only concern with filing for the ITIN is I would have to send off my passport, and I don't want to chance it not being back in time for the interview.....

Though I've heard it's possible to get the ITIN in person at a local Tax Assistance Center (and there is on in Detroit according to the IRS website....)

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

my only concern with filing for the ITIN is I would have to send off my passport, and I don't want to chance it not being back in time for the interview.....

Though I've heard it's possible to get the ITIN in person at a local Tax Assistance Center (and there is on in Detroit according to the IRS website....)

The Tax Assistant Centers can certify your passport on the spot, then send the combo ITIN application/tax return off to be processed. That way your passport does not have to go off in the mail. It is a nice option for you if you can easily get to Detroit.

Check to see of they offer that service http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-Michigan

Not all do.

Edited March 7, 2015 by Nich-Nick

[ChristinaG 91]

The Tax Assistant Centers can certify your passport on the spot, then send the combo ITIN application/tax return off to be processed. That way your passport does not have to go off in the mail. It is a nice option for you if you can easily get to Detroit.

Check to see of they offer that service http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-Michigan

Not all do.

Thanks!! I was hoping that was the case!! I can see the Detroit skyline from my front porch Getting there is not a problem.... all the different one-way streets in downtown, now that's a little trickier LOL