Canadian Citizen on H-1 visa while family is in Canada

gag97zu · Post by **gag97zu** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:54 pm

Hi there!
I am a Canadian citizen working in the US on H-1 visa. Started January 12, 2012. My wife and 2 student kids live in Canada. My wife spent in the US only 15 days during 2012. Both in Canada and in the US I am renting apartments for my family and for me. Do not have any additional income neither in Canada nor in the US - other than my US salary. My TFSA in TD Canada Trust Bank is not active now as I stopped contributing to it. Annual return on TFSA investments was around $20 CAD.
My household income is only my salary so I am supporting my family from the US - paying housing and all living expenses.
My questions:
1. I understand I am considered as resident alien in the US and must file income tax return using form 1040. Which one must use - 1040; 1040EZ; 1040A?
2. In Canada I used to file jointly with my wife . If I want to do the same for 2012 in the US - will my wife need an ITIN (she is not eligible for SSN)? Will I need to submit W7 for my wife accompanied by her original passport?
3. Can I file in the US as married separate for myself, and in Canada - joitly with my wife?
4. If filing in the US as married separate - can I still claim that I have dependents in Canada and in fact paying rent and all their expenses?
Thanks for your time in advance!
Sincerely,

Gag97zu

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 3:20 pm

do not send passport with your W-7!!

There is no joint filing in canada, so I don't know what you are talking about.

gag97zu · Post by **gag97zu** » Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:40 pm

Hi nelsona,
Thanks for your advice!
Ok, I am now thinking to file as married separately - which form I must use?

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:56 pm

what are you talking about?