I'm married in the Dominican Rep. but my wife is still in the process of residency, she still doesn't live with me in USA. I should state that I'm married or single?

I am legally married in the Dominican Republic, but my wife is still in the process of residency, for that reason she still does not live with me in the United States. Would I like to know if I should state that I am married or single?

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1 Best answer

Expert Alumni

Jun 1, 2019 1:40:20 AM

It depends. If you are filing as a US resident, you may choose one of three options:

Married Filing Separately. If your wife does not have a Social Security number or an ITIN, you will likely have to mail in your return, as you will need to leave the space blank where it asks for her Taxpayer ID and then write NRA Spouse in the space. (Of course, if she does have this information, you may include it on the return to e-file).

Married Filing Joint. To file jointly will require a special election. You will state that you and your wife make the election for her to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes. To make this election requires you to mail in your return, and requires the two of you to claim all of her worldwide income on your tax return. If she made little or no money in the DR, then this is likely the most advantageous filing status, even though the processing time is a bit longer because of mailing in the return Also, if she does not have either a Social Security Number nor an ITIN, you will need for her to apply for one along with your tax return. The following link provides more information: Apply for an ITIN

Head of Household. If you have children living with you in the U.S. you may be allowed to claim Head of Household instead of Married Filing Separately. You do not need to claim her income using this status, but you do need to mention that you are married to a non-resident alien spouse for your tax return (you are not allowed to claim earned income credit on your return).

Expert Alumni

Jun 1, 2019 1:40:16 AM

Are you filing as a resident for US tax purposes?

New Member

Jun 1, 2019 1:40:18 AM

Yes, i'm self-employed.

Expert Alumni

Jun 1, 2019 1:40:20 AM

It depends. If you are filing as a US resident, you may choose one of three options:

Married Filing Separately. If your wife does not have a Social Security number or an ITIN, you will likely have to mail in your return, as you will need to leave the space blank where it asks for her Taxpayer ID and then write NRA Spouse in the space. (Of course, if she does have this information, you may include it on the return to e-file).

Married Filing Joint. To file jointly will require a special election. You will state that you and your wife make the election for her to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes. To make this election requires you to mail in your return, and requires the two of you to claim all of her worldwide income on your tax return. If she made little or no money in the DR, then this is likely the most advantageous filing status, even though the processing time is a bit longer because of mailing in the return Also, if she does not have either a Social Security Number nor an ITIN, you will need for her to apply for one along with your tax return. The following link provides more information: Apply for an ITIN

Head of Household. If you have children living with you in the U.S. you may be allowed to claim Head of Household instead of Married Filing Separately. You do not need to claim her income using this status, but you do need to mention that you are married to a non-resident alien spouse for your tax return (you are not allowed to claim earned income credit on your return).

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I'm married in the Dominican Rep. but my wife is still in the process of residency, she still doesn't live with me in USA. I should state that I'm married or single?