Hi, I need some advise and support, since this didn't happen last year, and I had no idea this year would be totally different.
I'm a foreign PhD student under F1 visa in Illinois. Last year I used Sprintax service, which is provided by my school for a subsidized fee to file taxes. I already used it for filling 2017 and 2016 years with no problem whatsoever.
This year however, Sprintax reported to me that I no longer qualify as a non-resident alien since I have already passed the test of presence SPT. Sprintax suggested me to come and use TurboTax, which I plan to use in the Deluxe version or whatever is necessary to go over this.
Some background: I got my masters in USA from Fall2009-Spring2011 under J1 visa. Then, I returned to my home country for five years (and got married there). I returned to USA with my wife for my PhD, which started in the Fall semester of 2016. We both arrived together. She is under F2 visa.
We both have campus health insurance: I have it as an F1 student, and she is added to my plan as my F2 dependent. We have no children.
Since this year I will use TurboTax (as suggested by Sprintax), I wanna know how to do it, since the following facts bring me lots of doubts:
1. I am an F1 student, who already qualified as resident for tax purposes, since already passed the test of presence STP for being in the USA for few years (about two years under J1 for my master) and 2.5 years (currently) under F1 visa for my PhD.
2. My wife has been here only for 2.5 years: since the beginning of my PhD in 2016. She has no income at all because she doesn't work, she has F2 visa.
3. I have an SSN. My wife has no SSN neither ITIN.
4. For the last two years, I mailed my tax return along with an 8843 form in an envelope through USPS.
5. I mailed an 8843 form for my wife as well (separately), as it was automatically generated by Sprintax, and because I was told to do so.
6. For this year, I have the following forms at hand:
W2 - wages reported from my university regarding my earnings as a research assistant.
1095B - Forms reporting health insurance coverage for me and my wife.
1098-T reporting tuition paid and tuition waived by school.
My questions for which I need some help and support:
a) Should I file jointly or separately? and how to do for whatever case I fall into.
b) If filing jointly, what to write in my wife's SSN/ITIN? - Can we apply for an ITIN for my wife along with the file return? Please need help and instructions.
I see there seems to be a huge difference if filing jointly or separated. What do I have to do for my wife? Mail the 8843 form again? I'm so confused!
I would appreciate all your help. I know we are close to the due date, but I was not aware of this radical change. Last years It took me only 1 hour to do it.
thanks in advance!
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First, it will be better to file jointly, since you will get a larger standard deduction (as you've already noticed, it does make a difference in the amount you owe, or are getting back).
Yes, you can apply for an ITIN for your wife when you send in your return. You cannot e-file when you do this, because the ITIN application must be accompanied by documents proving her identity. The easiest thing to do is to use her passport, assuming she has one. However - you would need to include either her original passport (which I would not recommend sending through the mail), or a certified copy (which you can get through an embassy or consulate). Alternately, you can apply for the ITIN in person using an IRS-authorized CAA (Certifying Acceptance Agent). The IRS website has a list of CAAs by state.
Yes, you still need to file form 8843 for your wife.
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