Filing on my own for the first time.

Ok, so, I'm filing on my own, without a tax prep person. I've asked the IRS in London for advice via email, and they just said to file "married filing separately" and to get DH an ITIN. Fair enough, I've done that. I've just tried to fill in the 1040 form, and I just feel as though it's too easy, too good to be true. I also have to file 540NR long form for the state of CA, but, I saw on the info sheet that I can efile, for that, so, that takes care of California. It's the Federal one that I'm most worried about.

-My AGI is $13355.94 (2 jobs, during the same time. Plus a small amount of interest income and a small distribution from an IRA.)
-Worked all of 2008, part of 2009, came over in July in 2009. Only began working in UK in January, can't really file the 1116 or 2555 yet.
-No dependants, no claim from Social Security/unemployment. Can I use the Standard Deduction for "persons filing single or married filing separately"?

Wish there was some one to walk me thru it, at least this first time. Has anyone else called the IRS branch in London at the embassy? DH had a look at my work, and he said it seemed right to him, and it seems right to me as well, but, still don't know if I'm right or not. So frustrated! Thanks for listening!

It sounds right to me...it really is amazingly easy for most people most of the time. Yes the standard deduction would most likely be spot on for your situation.

If DH had a look over just to make sure you didn't miss something you really should be fine. I have always done my own, they really aren't hard.

If it would make you feel better I would be happy to have a glance over it for you-  no expert but can just make sure you didn't miss something obvious

Without seeing it , no one can say for sure. 

I would say that you do not have to apply for an ITIN for your spouse, you can simply report that he is "NRA."  I know some people are funny about being given a "tax number" for another country.

Make sure you also take you 10% early withdrawal penalty on your IRA if you are under 59.5.

It sounds right to me...it really is amazingly easy for most people most of the time. Yes the standard deduction would most likely be spot on for your situation.

If DH had a look over just to make sure you didn't miss something you really should be fine. I have always done my own, they really aren't hard.

If it would make you feel better I would be happy to have a glance over it for you-  no expert but can just make sure you didn't miss something obvious

Yes, HG, I'd be really grateful if you could take a look at it for me!

Without seeing it , no one can say for sure. 

I would say that you do not have to apply for an ITIN for your spouse, you can simply report that he is "NRA."  I know some people are funny about being given a "tax number" for another country.

Make sure you also take you 10% early withdrawal penalty on your IRA if you are under 59.5.

10% early withdrawal penalty? That's on line 30, right? But, the form the IRA company sent me didn't have an amount for a penalty. There was only a "gross amount" and a "distribution amount". This is the sort of thing I've been worried about. Oh dear. And where would I declare DH an NRA, if he didn't want an ITIN? I don't really fancy him having one myself, to be honest.

10% early withdrawal penalty? That's on line 30, right? But, the form the IRA company sent me didn't have an amount for a penalty. There was only a "gross amount" and a "distribution amount". This is the sort of thing I've been worried about. Oh dear. And where would I declare DH an NRA, if he didn't want an ITIN? I don't really fancy him having one myself, to be honest.

Your IRA company isn't going to know if you withdrew in a manner to get a penalty, as there are some exceptions.  It is up to you to report it correctly. Complete form 5329, which flows through to line 58 of the 1040.

If you want to report DH as NRA, you just write NRA instead of a SSN or ITIN - where it says spouse's social security number.

Yes, HG, I'd be really grateful if you could take a look at it for me!

I am happy to--- we are having car troubles at the moment so I am relying on the goodwill of co-workers for getting to and from work so my hometime is a bit unpredictable during the week....would this weekend be okay- or would you rather me give you a call one evening when I get home?

Federal taxes are sorted. California taxes however, have me gobsmacked. Is there anyone originally from California that can help?

Federal taxes are sorted. California taxes however, have me gobsmacked. Is there anyone originally from California that can help?

sorry-- can't help there!