redarmy990

We got married October 11, 2011 and are waiting for our I-130 to be approved. I live in England and my wife lives in US. My wife isn’t sure how to file her taxe for 2011. She knows she has to file married, but not sure whether she should file “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately” and what the difference is since I made no money in the US during 2011. Is there an advantage of one over the other? She has read the IRS info,but still not sure.




Does anybody know a good resource for evaluating these two options or any other help?



Also, do I need to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?

she has also read i need to get a copy of my passport notarised. has anyone done this
thanks
dean& lori

Noorah101

With you still living overseas, it's probably easier for her to file "Married filing separately", that way she only has to account for her own income and deductions.

If she wants to include you "Married filing Jointly", you would need an ITIN number, yes, but I don't know if you can get one while living outside the USA. She should have a consultation with a tax professional if she wants to file "Married filing jointly".

You do not need a copy of your passport notarized, that I know of.

Rene

redarmy990

thankyou rene much appreciated advice