I got married this year but they are not a US citizen.

jmoser
jmoser Member Posts: 2 Newcomer
in Live Q/A Event

My spouse is currently residing in another country with plans to make the move here next summer. Should I file as single or married for this year?

· Share on Twitter

Answers

  • ptaxes
    ptaxes FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 15

    Hi!

    You will still file as married. In general, if you are a U.S. citizen, and your spouse is a nonresident alien - your federal filing status will be married filing separately. However, there are other situations that may qualify you to file as married filing jointly, which I can link to the IRS page below.

    If your spouse is a U.S. citizen just living abroad temporarily, you will also need to file as married.

    https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/international-taxpayers-filing-status-if-married-to-a-nonresident-alien-youtube-video-text-script

    · Share on Twitter
  • jmoser
    jmoser Member Posts: 2 Newcomer

    Do they also need to file if they did not work in the US? We are still working on the paper work that is needed for her to stay here. Will this affect that process?

    · Share on Twitter
  • MatthewD
    MatthewD FreeTaxUSA Team Posts: 340
    https://community.freetaxusa.com/discussion/comment/3162#Comment_3162

    Does your spouse have a Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)? If so, you can use our software. If not, you will likely need to file with another tax service. Even if your spouse did not work, there are benefits to filing Married Filing Jointly if only one spouse had income.

    · Share on Twitter

Categories