USA Citizen With Foreign Spouse

[superduper]

Hi - I was recently married in 2021. My wife has not been to USA, not a USA resident, and works in Canada. She makes significantly less than me, so I'm considering filing jointly and wondering about pros and cons. 

Should I file married filing jointly? Pros and Cons

Should I file married filing separately? Pros and Cons

[ErnieS0]

In answering your question I'm assuming your are a US citizen or resident alien and live in the US.

You will have to include your wife's income on your US tax return if you file together. You can claim a credit for tax paid to Canada.

Depending on your income and your wife's income and family situation, you may save money by filing together and qualify for some credits that would not be available if you filed separately.

On the flip side, adding income may raise your tax rate and/or make you ineligible for some deductions and credits.

There's really no way to answer your question with only "she makes significantly less than me".

You can speak with a Live Tax Expert who can review your situation.

How do I connect with a tax expert in TurboTax Live?

[superduper]

Where in turbo tax do I enter my foreign spouse Income? And where do I enter her taxes Paid? 

[ErnieS0]

Enter foreign income in Foreign Earned Income and Exclusion and foreign taxes in Foreign Tax Credit.

To enter foreign income:

1. Type foreign income in Search in the top right
2. Select Jump to foreign income

To enter a foreign tax credit or deduction

1. Type foreign tax credit in Search in the upper right
2. Select Jump to foreign tax credit