Newly married

[StevenO]

I recently got married. My wife is from Mexico. At the moment, she only has a B2 tourist Visa. 

What do I need for my taxes? Or to add her to my insurance? 

[Deepp]

Hi @StevenO,

For tax purposes, you will need to get an ITIN # for your wife.

You fill out form W-7. (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf)

Here are the instructions to fill out the W-7. (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf).

Also, here is a video version. (https://www.irsvideos.gov/Webinars/ITINProcessWebinar).

Please reach out should you have any other questions. 

[StevenO]

It doesn't matter that she's not a citizen, nor has a green card yet? 

[Deepp]

That's correct. ITIN is similar to SSN.

If she doesn't have an SSN, you will apply ITIN in stead.

When you include her on your tax return, married filing jointly, you will include her foreign income, also.

If you plan to file married filing separately, you will still need her ITIN to Efile your taxes in Turbo for 2023. 

US taxes based on global income. However, since she is not a resident of US, you can claim an income exclusion to not have her portion of her share of income taxed. 

[StevenO]

If we file separately, does she actually need to file here, if her income is only from Mexico?

[Deepp]

There is a US and Mexico tax treaty that would need to be reviewed. 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-trty/mexico.pdf

Generally, the answer is no, if she didn't have any US sourced income. 

[StevenO]

Okay. Do you know if I would have to get some special number in Mexico to put me down, for when she does her Mexican taxes? 

[Deepp]

Unfortunately, we can only advise you on US income tax laws and returns. For Mexico's tax laws and returns, may need to seek a local expert who prepares Mexico's income tax returns. Great question. 

[ElizabethW2]

Congratulations, StephenO!

From a tax perspective, if you want to file a joint return with your new wife, you will need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for your wife.  You can do this by completing and filing Form W7 with Internal Revenue Service.  Here is a link to that form:  www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf

And the instructions for Form W7:  www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf

It is outside the scope of my tax expertise to address the insurance question.  I recommend you contact your insurance company for that information.

I hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Elizabeth W., EA