Just a little tax help please

Hi Helen,
I just married in January. I have lived here in England since Sept but have not worked so in filing my taxes I only have to include my work from the states. Since I did not marry until January then I don't have to include my spouse anywhere on the tax form right? Also I have not filed yet for a change of name with US social security yet. Can I just file with my name as it was last year? I was planning to have it sent to a bank in the states under that name. Can you tell me the legal aspects of this? Thanks.

Hi Kitty

Firstly, as you married in January 2004, you will file as single in 2003. In 2004, you have the option of married filing separately (if your husband is not a US citizen) or married filing jointly.

Also if you did not have any foreign source income in 2003 (and did not have any earning in the UK or anywhere else outside of the US0, you will need to only report your US source income on your return. Therefore there is no need to file Forms 2555 and 1116 with your Federal return. Depending on which state you are from, you will be able to break residency with that state and file a part year return.

Regarding under which name to file, you can file your return under your maiden name until such a time as you change it officially. There is no problem with this.

Hope this answers all your questions.

Helen