Can I use TurboTax?

[magica1985]

Hello,

I came to the US on August 1st, 2019 on a J1 research scholar visa until July 31st, 2021. From August 1 2021, I have an H1B visa and a new employer (I did not leave the country at all). On July 3rd, 2021, I change my tax status to a resident. 

My spouse was in the US on a J2 visa from September 6, 2019, until July 31st, 2021 and he was working with EAD until the last day of his J2 visa. From August 1, 2021, till November 13, 2021, he had applied to change his status on H4 at USCIS. However, he got admitted to a graduate program and he left the country on November 13, 2021, to go and apply for an F1 visa. He is back in the US on an F1 visa from December 22. 

I would like to ask if we can use turbo tax to file joint taxes for 2021 and if yes which product would be the best to use. Thank you in advance. 

[ErnieS0]

Yes. You can use TurboTax to file a joint return since you are a US resident. It appears your spouse was also a resident for 2021, having used up the two J-2 exempt years in 2019 and 2020 and being physically present in the US for more than 183 days in 2021, thereby meeting the substantial presence test.

All versions of TurboTax can handle jointly filed returns. The best version depends on your situation. For example, if you have investments, TurboTax Premier works best; if you were self-employed, TurboTax Self-Employed is right.

The easiest choice is the start with the Free Edition. TurboTax will prompt you within the program if you need to upgrade.

[magica1985]

Thank you. Does TurboTax Free edition include an option for foreign bank accounts? 

[DoninGA]

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@magica1985 wrote:

Thank you. Does TurboTax Free edition include an option for foreign bank accounts? 

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No, the Free online edition does not support entry of foreign bank accounts.  For that option you would need the TurboTax Deluxe edition or higher - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

[magica1985]

Great! thank you!