Nicole72082

Alright, my husband currently has a loan and a credit card in Scotland that we send money over every month to pay. Right now, money is getting very tight. I have mentioned that maybe he stop paying them, at least the credit card bill. We have been paying more than the monthly payment and the minimum keeps going up! He called, and all they could do to help is lower the interest by 4%, which isn't going to help at all.

If he were to stop paying these bills, or at least the credit card, could it basically skip from Scotland to America and haunt him? At first he was worried it would ruin him if he ever returned to Scotland, which he doesn't ever want to move back, just visit. They couldnt' come after him while he was there, could they? Also, can they sell his bills to America and come after him? I know right now that the American system can't see his bills at all, otherwise it would have been showing when we applied for our mortgage.

I don't want to get a lot of people trying to lecture us on not getting the loan/credit card if we can't afford it. Things come up, like having to get another car since the one that was paid off DIED.

Any advice/ideas is greatly appreciated. We need to know how badly this could hurt him if this is the route we take.

Before or after piggybacking, in most cases the immigrant is going to be the 'co-borrower' on any mortgage loan entered into shortly after the immigration.

Any lender who tells you they can't make a loan to a permanent resident doesn't know the rules or the law. FNMA does not distinguish between permanent residents and citizens for underwriting puposes. Anytime someone tells you that nonsense, tell them to phone their underwriters and have them research underwriting regulations for permanent residents. Watch their eyes glaze over with confusion because they won't expect you to know the 'lingo'. You should end up getting the answer you want.

FNMA does however distinguish between borrowers with limited credit, no credit and good credit. And citizenship has nothing to do with that.

I was the 'borrower' on our mortgage, despite the fact that Wes earns the higher income. But I had the established credit score. It doesn't make diddly-squat difference if the immigrant ends up being the borrower or co-borrower - they will build a credit score of their own regardless. And you'll still be able to get the house.

This is kind of the point I'm at right now. I work at a bank, so I've just been dealing with the mortgage lender there. And I just had to make a copy of Dave's permanent resident card, so they could see when it expired. I guess they've dealt with foreigners like twice, and have had some problems, but one guy's card had expired and only had a year's extention. Could you provide me with a place where I could read more about this FNMA not distinguishing between the citizens and permanent residents. Although I'll be trying to search it after i post this lol My mortgage lender was looking at options of only me buying the house, but she mentioned having an ARM loan for 3 years and then refinancing back through them. Which, of course, I want to avoid at all costs. I just don't think this part should matter. But I am going to copy and paste what you said into an email and send it to myself at work, so I can talk to her about it! Thank you!

My husband has been here since last April and has been working since about November. He's got his conditional permanent resident card. We're looking at buying a house, but the mortgage lender was saying how she's had problems with people who have had just the conditional card and it expiring. And then with him not having any credit whatsoever in America, we're kind of worried. Has anyone had any experience with this and is there such a mortgage lender that knows how to work with this and get around these problems? My husband isn't happy about all the credit cards I already have on my own lol, so he's refusing to open up a credit card just to get credit. I know there is always loans, but then again, we are wanting to possibly buy this house ASAP. Any advice is GREATLY appreciated!

Well, I've done my taxes. We are getting a pretty nice refund, I had my sister in law look at it. She said if Dave had been a resident the whole year, that the whole tax return looks fine. She's just afraid that in time, this could cause me to be audited. She is the type to worry about everything though. I know it could happen to anyone, but just claiming him like a regular resident.. that's not such a bad thing, is it??

So, okay, its basically decided that he's going to be claimed as a resident then since we're not saying he's dual status on the tax return, it would be just a normal 1040?

I think since we're not claiming his income from before he moved over (and marriage) we won't be dealing with any tax credits. This actually could be kind of simple.

My sister in law actually is an accountant, she just doesn't work in taxes. She had asked her boss and her recommendation was to read the publication 519, which I tried to do. I just figured if tons of people had been through it before, it would be much easier to ask lol Thank you everyone sooooo very much.

Do not confuse tax residency with immigration residency... they may not always be the same....

Well, after I posted, I went over to read some more on IRS.gov and they keep talking about residency starting under the substantial test. So, would they consider that Dave has lived here since April, so that would have him here most of the year.... or the fact that he didn't get his residency card until December 18th.

First off, I don't know why the tax publications have to be so confusing! At first I was thinking my husband would have to file a dual-status, since he moved over in April and wasn't a resident until December, but was working in November with an EAD. Then they say you can choose to file as a resident for the tax year. Besides these few things, I would be able to file this just fine myself. I just don't want to file one way then get into big trouble for it being wrong. What have some of you done? Please don't say read the IRS website, because I'm trying to! The current publication I'm reading is 72 pages long and very contradicting to itself.

Quick question...

Once you and your SO gets married, would she still be able to be on her parents insurance?

All I know is as soon as my husband and I got married, I was able to put him on my insurance, no problem.

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US tax law is very complicated. What you might be thinking is double taxation situation may not even remotely be the case. This area of the tax law is complex and there are exclusions and exceptions everywhere.

Can be complicated. but if we are talking about paying taxes on ordinary income, it becomes quite simple. Anyone who can balance a check book can figure their taxes. If you finished grade school math and can add and subtract, then you can do your own taxes. It also requires a few table look-ups. If you are confused about what is taxable, etc., there are publications available on the IRS site, along with examples. If it is still too camplex for you then use turbo tax (available on the internet), and file for $25.

People who suggest to use a tax lawyer or a tax accountant (CPA) are looking at $200 per hour to do simple math. H&r Block, etc. are for real dummys. Most likely you can do everything on the 1040EZ unless you are deducting home mortgage interest, and medical expenses, etc., (which are not taxable).

That was offensive. Some people like to use H&R Block so they can get their tax refund right away.

People like peace of mind that if a problem arrises with their tax return then they have someone to sort it all out..... also unless you know exactly what you can claim for or deduct then you could well be missing out on a better refund or small amount to pay.... companies like H&R Block assist people who want the security of knowing it will be filed right and a fast way to get your refund, that does not make you a dummy and not everyone wants to spend hours trawling through IRS Publications looking for what they can and can't claim.... As a tax Pro I know just how hard it can be to understand the language that IRS use in their publications....

Kez

These posts have to be the most offensive, or from ppl who never completed the sixth grade who use H&R Block to get a quick refund. What you are getting is an instant loan that you are paying somewhere around 25% annual interest. Only someone who is not too smart would do something like this...its preying on poor ppl and the practice should be outlawed. Evun filing a TurboTax return electronicall will get you refund in 7-10 days without paying a dime in interest.

With all due respect to Kezzie, I would not consider anyone working for H&R Block as a tax professional, but only as a clerical that just transcribes numbers from the source information that your clients bring you. There are no professional services provided, there are no decisions to make, and is strictly a clerical function.

I would think that all you newbies to the tax system would take a look at the simple forms yourselves and development a general understanding how this "complex"" system works for ppl who are filing returns bsed upon earnings only. Simple adding and subtracting, and giive you a general understanding on what kinds of incomes are taxable and what expenses are not taxable (interest on home, medical payments, uniform and education expenses, etc.) If y9ou feel offended, then you should be offended at your own ignorance of just throwing up your hands and declaring it complex, which it is not.

The only time it would become complex is if you are buying and selling stocks, and need to time them right to avoid paying taxes. Even H&R Bloock clericals are not trained to know how to do this. Another example when it gets complex is if you own rental properties which involves depreciation accounting and keeping track of deductible business expense. But if we are talking about the average married couple living off of wages, and so not own a home, and have no usual medical expense, then we are talking about 1040EZ....about 20 minutes to prepare. Or you can pay H&R Block 100 dollars and 25% interest for your instant refund (which is CRIMINAL in my opinion...worse than payday loan sharks.

I'm wondering if you think most of us here are morons or ignorant.. why you're even bothering talking to us? Normally I do my own taxes and have no problems with it. For me, it was quite simple, but I've tried doing some reading on having foreign income and just wanted a straight answer as to what I should do... not be insulted because of tossing around the idea of getting help. If you have all the answers, give us the answers instead of insulting us.

I was really hoping it could be pretty simple this year. Usually I do my own taxes lol I'll be trying to do more research, but hopefully its pretty straight forward. Still up in the air about claiming his wages as well?? I know it wouldn't be all that much, since it was only until the beginning of April, but then again, his wages were double what he makes here. Darn conversion rate.

So, here's my story. My husband came from Scotland in April to move over here. He came on a fiance visa. In October he received his EAD, so he's been working since November. I just received an email saying that he's basically been approved of his AOS. He'll be receiving his resident card shortly. The questions are, what am I to do on taxes? I've tried reading up on it, but a lot of people have mentioned having a spouse who is a non-resident at the time. But since my husband will officially be a resident (conditional), won't that change things? I can now file married jointly, right? Isn't that the biggest issue? I read something also about having to claim his income from his home country as well? If there is just a place to go that should have all of these answers and more, please point me in the right direction. I just want to have an idea of what I have to do when it comes time to file.

Thanks!

I posted every so often here and definitely visited here practically on a daily basis. I definitely learned a lot from this site and the posters in this forum. Thank you.

Life is sooo good with my hubby, well except for the finances! We figured by July he'd be working, so the money did start to run thin, but he's actually at work today. Just started. He's been over here about 7 months now, I'm sure he has enjoyed not working for that whole time and he didn't have any problems with missing family and friends, he communicates with them almost on a daily basis through messenger or phone, or Bebo. Plus we had to go the special channels for his football. He's actually even had his first visitor, his brother came over for a little over a week. Sure we're still in the newlywed stages, but life is great. I'd go through it all again in a heartbeat to have what I have now.

oohh, Congrats!!!

Hey, got a question, I noticed that the email you had received said the 25th of Sept. Did you receive multiple emails? I received our first one a day after you, but then received a few more a few days later. I'm just eager to see my husbands card finally arrive.

Also, I heard that it's good to wait 2 weeks before you go try to get your SSN after receiving your EAD (If SSN wasn't possible before) Did you already receive your SSN? Just curious..

Hi Everyone,

I recently went to my local USCIS office to pick up a package to start the AOS forms. The package came with some instructions and they say that i need to surrender my I-94 and mail it in with my application, however, the AOS guidelines online don't mention this. Has anyone else done this?

We went through the DORA program in OKC, but they took my husbands I-94. I think they said that it was no longer needed, but when my husband went to try to get his drivers license, they said that he needed that paper.

Well, after such a long time (for us, at least) I get that awesome email saying the card has been ordered for production. Yay!!!! I don't even care if it takes the 30 days to get shipped to my house, just the idea of knowing that probably in a months time my husband will finally be working. Gawd that is such a GREAT feeling!!

I didn't take any papers with me showing what should and shouldn't be allowed. Once I figured out that we didn't need the SSN to turn in the EAD and AOS, we weren't too worried about it. We have been able to add him to my insurance and bank account, no problem.

My husband had an appointment on July 19th for the DORA in OKC. The guy actually told us that they were doing away with DORA, so I wonder when that'll happen. We also applied for the EAD since some people hadn't had any luck getting their AOS done in 90 days. Anyway, about 3 weeks ago we got a letter for his biometrics appointment that is on Sept 6 and just received the NOAs for those on Saturday. He wasn't ever able to get his SSN, which after the first try and realized we didn't need it for the forms, we didn't try any longer. He was also going to try to get his permit to drive and they said he couldn't since when we went to the DORA program, they took the piece of paper out of his passport that he needed! It's been a long waiting process-- just like the rest of it. We're just hoping by the first of November he'll be able to work. Good luck everyone.

We went about the perfect timing that everyone says to go. I understand it was about them not being educated and I never took the time to go educate them. Although I didn't have the paper saying exactly what is able to happen for my hubby, I tried to explain, but they weren't into listening. Once I found out that we didn't have to have a SSN for the AOS and EAD, I wasn't too worried about getting him one.

When we went to try to get my husbands social security card, they wouldn't let him have one because he had to have something saying that he'd be able to work. She absolutely wouldn't accept his passport with visa. I'm not sure why though, a lot of people seem to be getting theirs with no problem. Good luck.

Dave did come over on a K1 visa, I just meant that he wasn't able to work. That's why the Social Security office wouldn't issue him a SSN, although I told them over and over that it was alright. Since he didn't need one, we're just waiting. I'm just wondering about the 2007 tax year, not 2006. I was hoping it would be a nice little pay back, even though he hasn't been able to work and will only be able to work a very small portion of the year. Thanks everyone for giving your input!

My husband moved over in April and since he wasn't legal or didn't have a SSN, I had to check a different box then married on my taxes. So at the moment, I'm still just claiming single and 0. Hopefully by the time its tax season, he'll be legal, so will I be able to claim him and say married.. which means getting more back or what?

My husband had his interview on July 19th for the Dora program. From there, they sent out I485 and I765 to the Chicago lockbox. We have a notice date of 8-9-07 for the ASC appointment notice that we got on 8-13-07. Biometrics will be 9-6-07. I figured this would basically be considered my NOA1 seeing how I put in the codes and it says that on August 6th they received all of my stuff. I figure IF they touch it anytime soon, it'll let me know, so wouldn't I just consider this the NOA1?

My husband (from Scotland) was talking to another friend online who was searching Yahoo! profiles, so he decided to check it out as well. He messaged me, we spoke for a few minutes but then I just stopped talking because my sister was getting ready for a date and I went to visit with her before she left. I came back later and he had sent a few more messages. Luckily he was still online and we started talking again. Kinda makes me sick to my stomach to think I almost blew him off and he ends up being the love of my life! (and biggest pain in the ### too though)

Just want to say thanks for all the replies.

The guy doing our interview said they were getting rid of the DORA program, because it doesn't really work. He said if he were filing, he'd do the same with the EAD as its a kind of insurance. He also said that we didn't have to go through the DORA program, we could have sent in our items on our own. Which sucks, because we were going to send them in about May, then found out about the DORA program, thought we had to go that route, so waited until July 19th for our appointment. That's definitely pushing back Dave working a long ways. And I don't think that he'll really have that much trouble with translations, but I thought they basically just took fingerprints for the biometrics?

I'm totally confused about this process. I figured we wouldn't be receiving anything about the AOS since we went through DORA, even though I was told they just send it to the Chicago lockbox as well. Should we receive something saying that they are processing anything? I'd like to keep track, but have nothing to look at. Our interview date for the Dora thing was July 19th. Thanks