topic since when? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Got married in Nov 2015, Wife will be coming to US on or before 31st Dec 2015. Can i claim her as my dependent and file taxes as married jointly even she wasn't in USA.

amitwagh17 — Fri, 31 May 2019 23:57:26 GMT

I got married in india on 26th Nov 2015. My wife will be coming to USA on H4 visa before 31st Dec 2015. Please let me know if i can claim her as a dependent & file taxes as Married jointly even she was not present in USA for complete year.

What if she comes in January 2016, Do i need to file taxes as single?

what is your visa status in the US?

bine22 — Fri, 31 May 2019 23:57:27 GMT

what is your visa status in the US?

I am on H1B

amitwagh17 — Fri, 31 May 2019 23:57:29 GMT

I am on H1B

since when?

bine22 — Fri, 31 May 2019 23:57:31 GMT

since when?

Oct 2013

amitwagh17 — Fri, 31 May 2019 23:57:32 GMT

Oct 2013

You will be able to file jointly with your spouse for tax...

Critter1 — Fri, 31 May 2019 23:57:34 GMT

You will be able to file jointly with your spouse for tax year 2015 even if she is not in the USA anytime during 2015. And a spouse is never claimed as a dependent, they are your spouse on a joint return which correctly gets you the personal exemption for each of you.

However you will need either a social security number (if they are eligible) or a taxpayer identifying number to include your new spouse on your return. Use IRS Form W-7 to apply for a Taxpayer Identifying Number. A copy is here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf . You need to attach your federal tax return to the application.

The tax return and W-7 are mailed to:

Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX xxxxx-xxxx

When the number is issued you will receive a notice in the mail and the federal return will be forwarded for processing automatically. If you will need to file a state return as well and you have not gotten the ITIN by 4/15 then file a state extension and complete the return when you get the number.

Also: "You may also apply using the services of an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in lieu of mailing your information to the IRS in Austin. TACs in the United States provide in-person help with ITIN applications on a walk-in or appointment basis. Applicants outside the United States should contact an overseas IRS office to find out if that office accepts Form W-7 applications. The IRS's ITIN Unit in Austin issues all numbers by mail."