Claiming US Taxes

Hi,

im writing this on behalf of my wife.

I have read through a few of the threads about claiming back taxes etc, but i guess im still not findinng the answers i need though im quite sure there there.. some where...?

Just to explain:

Im a UK citizen, i married my wife who is from Mi in sept 07, we moved to the UK where i live and work on the 14 sept 07.

my wife recieved her W2 and usually files online and got as far as completing most of the form, she filed as married and as a single claim. and got most of it complete. however at the end of the online questionaire it requested my SSN which of course iw oudlnt have being from the UK.

the basic question is what does my wife do now?

does she have to file in paper (they were her words) and if so who can help her as in the states there is usually an office to go to where someo ne will do that for her.

i look forward to any help and also if you need more info let me know.

Cheers

Louis

I am NOT a tax expert, but my understanding is that your wife has a few options:

1) file as married filing separately
2) you can apply for a TIN (Tax Identification Number) which can be used for this purpose...I think that you can do this at the US Embassy's Social Security section
3) or what we did...there is a tax rule that allows married US citizens whose partner does not have a SSN or live in the US to file as a head of household...but I think you have to have children for this one.

I was a part year resident last year as well, which worked out well. I got a refund. But I did have to file on paper. It took about 2/3 months for the whole thing, but maybe someone else knows more about the on-line stuff.

Good luck!

thanks! ill bear those thoughts in mind   
maybe i shold get my wife to ring the US embassey?

Check their website. They often list services available there.

SO AS THE HUSBAND, do i need the TIn number or does my wife?

and is it still possible to file electronically rather than by paper.

also a side issue: as my wife is US can she open an accoutn when she next visits the USA?

cheers

Louis

You don't need a TIN if she is filing as married filing separately and you don't have any US income yourself.

If it were a paper or pdf application, she would just write NRA (for non-resident alien) in the space for your SS no. or TIN no.

I've never filed online, so I don't know if the online form allows you to do that.

Personally, I think it's easier to just fill in the pdf application that you can get off the IRS website than to go to the trouble of getting a TIN that you don't need.  You will need a TIN if you receive money from the US in the future (e.g. if you are a beneficiary to a pension held by your wife), but you can cross that bridge when you come to it.

This question seems to be coming up a lot since I found out the answers to these exact questions this week!

The USC can file electronically or on paper, it doesn't matter.  If the UKC has never been required to file US taxes (i.e. doesn't have either an SSN or an ITIN) then the USC files as "married filing seperately" and leaves the SSN for the spouse blank and puts "Non Resident Alien" in the "name of spouse" space.

You claim one exemption only (6a) and that's it.

These answers are correct but in addition:

1. If the US citizen had UK employment income s/he cannot file at the earliest for 2007 until 330 days after moving here if s/he wants to use form 2555.

2. If you have joint foreign accounts with balances at any time in excess of $10,000 these need to be disclosed on the foot of Schedule B and on form TDF90-22.1.

3. Your wife will also need to file a part-year State return.

thanks guys the information is really helpful anfd if or my wife has anymore questions ill be right back 

He doesn't need a TIN unless he is getting US sourced income. I tried to get a TIN for my husband, but couldn't b/c he did not have US income. I filed as married filing separately, and that's all I could do.

i gather then i dont need a TIN. thanks 
but my wife tried to fiel on line and it still is asking for SSN which i dont have will she have to file by paper instead or is there still away to do it electronically?

i have been looking at the IRS website, which form is it that i need to file taxes with. sorry for the blonde moment here. but this is my wifes first year at doing her taxes this way.

cheers
for any help!

1040, 2555 or 2555EZ and/or 1116, TD F 90-22.1

If you don't know the forms, use a tax programme or pay someone.  It's infinitely better than screwing up.

thanks Lizzit