Overwhelmed by taxes

[JaneW 8]

Hi! So I’m stressing out about filing tax returns(I want to do it myself to save money but my husband wants someone else(J&H) to do it for us and pay like $150-200 which I think is a waste). I came here in the US late last year through K1, got married and has a pending AOS. Should we file jointly or separate? I’ve read that by filing jointly, I also need to report my income for 2019. I only worked a few months while in the Philippines and only made just around $1000. Is filing separately a better option for us? Help please. Thank you!

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

21 minutes ago, Yanne94 said:

Hi! So I’m stressing out about filing tax returns(I want to do it myself to save money but my husband wants someone else(J&H) to do it for us and pay like $150-200 which I think is a waste). I came here in the US late last year through K1, got married and has a pending AOS. Should we file jointly or separate? I’ve read that by filing jointly, I also need to report my income for 2019. I only worked a few months while in the Philippines and only made just around $1000. Is filing separately a better option for us? Help please. Thank you!

From what you posted, filing a joint return is likely the best option, imo......you will need a SSN or an ITIN  for that option....good luck.

Edited January 27, 2020 by missileman

[ujones 148]

29 minutes ago, missileman said:

From what you posted, filing a joint return is likely the best option, imo......you will need a SSN or an ITIN  for that option....good luck.

Do you recommend any tax software that help us correctly file all the required forms including the foreign income ? 

[Just Paul 4,595]

1 hour ago, Yanne94 said:

So I’m stressing out about filing tax returns(I want to do it myself to save money but my husband wants someone else(J&H) to do it for us and pay like $150-200 which I think is a waste)

Honestly have them do it for that price for the first year.   You really want them done correctly as you are going to need those returns later.  Look at doing them yourself next year when things have settled down.

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

29 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

Honestly have them do it for that price for the first year.   You really want them done correctly as you are going to need those returns later.  Look at doing them yourself next year when things have settled down.

Good points.  Since my wife has continuing foreign income and foreign assets, I found it easier to just let an accountant handle our taxes the first year......I just didn't want the worry about the extra forms and reporting requirements....This will be year 3 doing the same.