I am active duty military and became married last year in 2024. My Spouse is here on a J1 Visa from the Philippines, working as a teacher. Should we file separately?

[DaveF1006]

No. You may file jointly. There is an option when you enter your spouse information where it will ask if she is non-resident alien. When you check this box, there will be a drop down box asking you if you would like to treat her as a US status Alien for the entire year and  this is the first time you are making this election. See the first screen shot that is listed below.

1. Open your Turbo Tax return
2. Depending on your screen view, go to About Me and click on the down arrow
3. Go to my Personal info and click on the pencil icon
4. Go to the section that is labeled Your household add your spouse's information.
5. Enter all information required and then when you reach a screen that says select all that apply, check the box indicating she is a non-resident alien. See first screenshot.
6. Then in the next screen, indicate you would like to treat JoAnne as a US resident for the entire year.
7. Then indicate this is the first year you are making this election.

Remember, if you make this election, your spouse will need to report their world wide income earned for the year, here and abroad.