Married Tax Deduction?

Question

Hi friends,

I’m a married Man. My wife lives in outside the USA. I just filed the petition paper to get her here. It will take a while. On my state & federal tax form, can I claim myself as a married person? It’s possible the tax form requires SS# for the wife. In this case can I put her case # or USCIS file # instead of the SS#, or there is other way?

I appreciate your help and ideas.

God Bless

Answer 1

These question is best anser by the IRS. Call the IRS hot Line. They can give you the answers. Most like they will need a copy of the marrage certific. Whather noteic is a question they will hap to answer. If they say yes, then you can fill married. Another place; would H&R Bock Tax Services.

Answer 2

No, you definitely can't deduct money you send her, any more than you could deduct her expenses if she was here.

You'll file as married filing separately.

Answer 3

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident, you can file joint return as residents. It does not matter if your spouse is foreign alien.

In that case you must both report your world wide income.

You will attach W7 (ITIN application) of your spouse with your tax return.

Answer 4

You can claim as a married person, but since your wife doesn't have a valid ssn, you will be forced to file married filing seperately.  In most instances, filing MFS means you aren't eligible for a lot of benefits on your federal tax return.  Generally, your best bet would be to file single until you can get your wife to be a US citizen.

Answer 5

1.  You are married.  You CANNOT file as single.  If you have been filing single returns, you need to amend them!

2.  Yes, you can file an MFS return even if you don't have a "number."  You simply pencil in NRA in the box and MAIL the paper return to the service center.  

The downside of this method is that you cannot get a benefit for her.

3.  To get a benefit you must get a number.  The form W-7 was devised for this purpose.  With the form (which takes at least 6 weeks to process), you can either file MFS and claim her exemption (assuming she has $0 US income) or even file as married filing jointly if you and she agree to treat her as a resident alien for tax purposes (see IRS publication 519.)

4.  Other than her exemption, there is no deduction for the money you've sent her.