26brian

Thanks for the info. Still might go for a visit and apply all in one trip since i miss them so much, but its good to have more options available .

Hello,

My wife and I were married last year, and our son was born in December. I live in the US. My wife and son are still living in Thailand until our visa process is complete.

In order to apply for The Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (CRBA) for my son, do I need to personally go to the US Embassy in Bangkok and apply there?

I did find this from the US Embassy in Bangkok: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/birth-of-a-u.s.-citizen-in-thailand.html which states both parents (or a notarized consent from the non-appearing parent) and child.

Does this mean my wife and son can apply on their own with my notarized consent?

Thanks,

Brian

I have another question: My income was less than $12k for last year. Would it be easier for me and my wife to file as Married Filing Separately?

I called the IRS number, and was informed that if I were to file separately from her, she would not have to file anything or do anything on her end. I would just file separately here. I have heard filing together might save me some more money, but in my case since my income last year was so low, it might not be worth all the trouble.

If I were to file together, I would have to:

-file the W-7

-my tax return

-declaration letter stating my wife wishes to be treated as a US Citizen for the tax year

-have that letter signed by myself and my wife, so we would have to mail it back and forth

I'm not saying the money isn't important (if I were to get a higher refund by filing together), I'm just saying it might be easier for my wife and I to just file separately.

Am I overlooking something?

Thanks for the information. It sounds like the W-7 and ITIN for my wife is the way to go, but talking with a tax consultant or IRS help line as well might help find the best option.

Hello,

Background: My wife and I were married last year in August 2009. Our son was born in December 2009. They live in Thailand right now while our visa is being processed. She did work for Thai Airways at the airport but quit in March 2009. She did not earn enough money for her to file taxes in Thailand. I live in the US right now. I have filed for a tax extension. I am using TurboTax to file. (Not sure if there is a better option elsewhere, but it has my previous year's information already)

There is a similar topic on here, but my situation may be different. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/170514-income-tax-filing-newly-married/

The two options that were mentioned in that topic were: Married filing jointly and Married filing separately. Also they talked about a W-7 for a Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

It sounds like married filing jointly is the better option, but then I would need to file for a ITIN right? Which do I choose? Is there any other things I may be missing? Any additional info you need from me, I'll gladly oblige.

Maybe I'm on the right track, but maybe I'm not thinking of something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Brian