alejandro60610

On 12/20/2023 at 8:54 PM, Redro said:

You file form 2555 so your wife can exclude her foreign income. We arrived in September 2022, filed MFJ. Neither of us worked in the US but we still filed AND we filed MFJ. Also filed FBAR. 

you want to run the numbers of filing MFJ vs MFS. We elected to file MFJ as I plan on filing for citizenship as soon as I am eligible and I want to be tax compliant for every year I’m present in the US. In addition, filing on the three year rule I want to make sure I file MFJ for bonafide relationship/ immigration purposes. 
ETA I know AOS is different to arriving on immigrant visa… but I would have filed taxes even if I arrived in the US and adjusted… 

Thank you!

9 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

I'm glad you asked this question.  It reminded me to contact my tax professional to set up her services for 2023 taxes.  I contacted her, and tax document collection has begun..... She takes care of the 1040 package, all foreign asset reporting and FBAR reporting to the Treasury Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glad I could help! 

3 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

For tax year 2023, the maximum amount eligible for Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is $120k -- https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-earned-income-exclusion

 

Thanks.

3 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Very possibly, yes.  That's why a good tax pro will run the number for multiple scenarios to help determine the better strategy.  

Thanks again.

37 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

You can choose to file a joint return.  If you file a joint return, she must report all world-wide income for the entire tax year.   There is no need for a source document for her income unless you are audited.  It is simply listed on the 1040.   I have a great accountant here in Dallas.  

Thank you. I know I can file it joint, but I'm wondering why I would want to do that? Let's say she made $50k, then she would owe USA tax on that, no?

I'm trying to figure out which one (joint or sep) is more beneficial in our situation and why. I realize that from USCIS standpoint (say she gets a green card interview in May of next year, or when she goes to remove conditions from from her 2 year green card), it may be beneficial to file jointly. But that comes at the expense of her paying USA tax on her 2023 income, no?

11 hours ago, Mike E said:

Do not be so sure:

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/788484-usc-lives-and-works-overseas-approved-with-assets-no-joint-sponsor-visa-approved/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/796115-using-just-assets-beware/

 

 

 

Nice! But i've read far too many accounts of USCIS demanding a joint sponsor, so we got one. It sucks that you can't rely on them to be consistent and follow their own rules.

1 hour ago, Marieke H said:

You are going to need to prove that the petitioner is able to financially support the beneficiary, and the better you look financially the more likely you are to get approved. Being able to show that you have these assets, and then also having a joint sponsor, looks so much better than completely relying on a joint sponsor. I would definitely put in the effort to put the paperwork together to include your assets.

Makes sense. That's what we'll do. Thank you.

We are filling out the I-864. The primary sponsor does not meet the income requirements. We have plenty of assets, but understand that USCIS will almost certainly request/require a joint sponsor. So, we have joint sponsor.

Since we have a joint sponsor, do we still need to list our assets on I-864? Is there any benefit to doing so?

I don't mind listing them, but then we'd have to supply another mountain of paperwork for supporting evidence of said assets.

Thanks in advance.

14 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Social Security number can be requested on either the I-485 or the I-765.  Is the person already inside the US?

Yes. Thank you for the reply.

8 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

Unlike K1s (fiancés of USCs), B2s are not entitled to receive an SSN before filing for AOS. Those adjusting form B2 can only get it after actually receiving the EAD card or GC. 

That's what I thought. Thanks for the confirmation.