Do I need to fill out joint tax forms?

Hello Helen,
Here is my situation...I am an american citizen and i worked last year in the US from jan-april...i just got married feb 2003.to an english man..i am working on filling out tax forms.for 2002...do i have to fill out joint forms and if so which one..  or can i just use the same old 1040 ez form i have used in the past...as a single tax payer...does the irs need to know about my new husbands income even though we just married in 2003.

thanx
Lisa

Lisa

I assume your husband is a Brit and has not previously lived or worked inthe US.  Is this correct?

I also assume that you moved to the UK in 2003 (after you got married). Is this correct?

In 2002, it seems that you only have US source employment  income based on services you performed in the US together with investment income (if any).

You can file a 1040 or 1040EZ depending on the complexity of your return.  As you married in 2003, you can file as "single" in 2002.

The forms you file will be different once you start working in the UK.  Also you will not be able to file 1040EZ in 2003 as you need to file as "married filing separate" (I assume). But we can discuss this in time for next year's tax return !!!

thank you helen for the info..yes my hubby is a brit and he has not worked in the US at all....

i officially moved here october 7,2002 as a student..i have not worked at all in the UK...now my stauts has changed to a FLR visa as a spouse..i will no longer attend classes...

does this change anything
lisa

No. Not for US purposes.