I've been in the US since 2002 and up till this year I've had straightforward taxes. This year, I married a CDN, who is now in the US with me on H4. From what I understand, I do not need to apply for an ITIN because in 2000 he had received a SSN while on a J visa.
For our married, filing jointly US taxes, are their special requirments I should follow? Or will Turbo Tax suffice.
I own a condo (this year) and we have nothing in Canada.
Dependant questions for US taxes
Moderator: Mark T Serbinski CA CPA
You may file married jointly 1040 using his SSN, however he will have to report all his income for 2005 from all sources, including canada.
If you do this, Turbotax will handle it, even the foreign tax credit part for him.
if you determine that filing married separately is better, with him filing dual-status (thus avoiding having to report his Cdn income), there may be issues with software (Ttax won't do 1040NR). But it is unlikely that this would yield the lowest tax, so I wouldn't worry about it.
Don't forget to report any RRSPs on form 8891 (again, not in software)
If you do this, Turbotax will handle it, even the foreign tax credit part for him.
if you determine that filing married separately is better, with him filing dual-status (thus avoiding having to report his Cdn income), there may be issues with software (Ttax won't do 1040NR). But it is unlikely that this would yield the lowest tax, so I wouldn't worry about it.
Don't forget to report any RRSPs on form 8891 (again, not in software)
Last edited by nelsona on Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:31 am, edited 3 times in total.
After 20 years, I am severely cutting back on responses. Do not ask specifically for my help. There are a few others on this board that can answer most questions. All the best