Wife &kids are abroad while I send money to them monthly. All are U.S. citizens w/SSNs, wife doesn't work. Can we file jointly & claim the kids?

[mayreelala]

Wife &kids are abroad due to schooling. They come to the states during summer vacation only. I send money to them every month for all of their needs. Wife doesn't work & all of them are U.S. citizens w/SSNs. Do they meet the dependents requirement? Can we file jointly &claim the kids?

[ToddL · Accepted solution]

If all of you are U.S. citizens with SSNs, you can file a joint tax return with your wife and claim all the children (assuming they meet the age and support requirements for dependent children). 

(Since you are filing a "joint" return and they are with their mother, it is perfectly OK that they are not staying with you in the U.S.)