Need to file for wife (on H4 in US) even though no income?

hotcheese · Post by **hotcheese** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:38 pm

Hello

I came to the US in 2011 on a J1 visa while my wife stayed in Canada, so for the 2011 return I filed a 1040NR-EZ.

However for 2012 I was present in the US on a H1 and my wife was with me on a H4.

Which tax return form should I use for the 2012 return?

Do I need to include my wife in the return - she is not allowed to work while on a H4 visa and hence she had no US (or any worldwide) income for 2012, does she still need to file?

Thanks

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:01 pm

You file a 1040 married filing jointly.

You WANT to include yourspouse, as this will definitely lower YOUR taxrate.

and you should be declaring Cdn non-residency from the moment you got H1/H4.

hotcheese · Post by **hotcheese** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:13 pm

Thanks.

How do I declare non residency, and do I need to do a Canadian tax return?

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 4:12 pm

CRA Emigrants guide off their website.