Hi, my case as a couple. I'm the only one filing taxes as a full-time PhD student (resident alien); wife never files taxes because she worked for UN (until Aug)

[DaveF1006 · Accepted solution]

While you have been filing alone, Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) is almost certainly your best move, even if your wife has no "taxable" income.

1. The Benefit: Filing jointly doubles your Standard Deduction (likely around $30,000 for the 2025/2026 tax years). It also makes you eligible for several family tax credits that are restricted or denied to those who file as "Married Filing Separately."
2. The "Resident Election": Since you are a resident alien and she is (presumably) a nonresident or G-4 visa holder, you can make a Section 6013(g) election. This treats her as a U.S. resident for tax purposes. You can make this election within TurboTax 

If your wife has a Social Security Number or ITIN, you may file this return electronically. If not, you will need to file a W7 form with your return and then print and mail the return.  Here is a link for the form W7 and its instructions.

Since today is April 15, you may wish to apply for an extension in your return. Go here to file the extension. 

[eagu]

Hi @DaveF1006,

Crystal clear, million thanks!

She has lived in the US on a G-4 for 9 years until September, and then changed to an F-2. She has an SSN. I always filled separatedly. I use TurboTax, but I don't know how to declare this two-status history for tax purposes. Would you mind advising?    Thank you!