Newly wed Canadian/American couple

[Tcolefyi]

I am a Canadian graduate student here in Florida on an F1 visa waiver. I married my wife (American) in June of 2021. The university of Florida provides a free tax filing service for all graduate students and I've used that for the past 3 years. However, now that I'm married, I wonder if it would make more sense to file with my wife? To provide a bit more information, I'm in the process of changing my immigration status but the process takes a while and hasn't gone through yet.

[ErnieS0]

It depends on your income and your wife's income. There's not enough information for an answer.

You can elect to file married filing joint because your wife is a US citizen, in which case your combined worldwide income will be subject to US income tax. If you had little or no income you may actually benefit in filing this way.

For more information on the election see Nonresident Spouse.

I suggest you speak in person with your university tax service. They probably handle many foreign students and would be more familiar with your situation.

You can also contact our nonresident tax partner Sprintax.com since you have an F-1 visa.

[Tcolefyi]

Thanks Ernie, and yes, Sprintax is who handles my taxes.