US taxes filing status after getting married?

[ozmojo]

I have been married for almost a year now and I have just two weeks to do my taxes for the good ole USA. My wife, Japanese, does not have a social security number or tax id. Should I even bother putting her on my tax form or just do it as single? Same goes with our son. Any reason to put them on the taxes now or can I wait until later? I don't think I have time to get her a tax id and I NEED to do my taxes (first time in years) to renew my visa.

Any help, advice, or suggestions are much appreciated.
Thanks! Rory

[Plats]

I have been married for almost a year now and I have just two weeks to do my taxes for the good ole USA. My wife, Japanese, does not have a social security number or tax id. Should I even bother putting her on my tax form or just do it as single? Same goes with our son. Any reason to put them on the taxes now or can I wait until later? I don't think I have time to get her a tax id and I NEED to do my taxes (first time in years) to renew my visa.

Any help, advice, or suggestions are much appreciated.
Thanks! Rory

If you don't need the deductions, file Married Filing Separately, enter NRA for wife's social security number, and no dependants.

[ozmojo]

If you don't need the deductions, file Married Filing Separately, enter NRA for wife's social security number, and no dependants.

thanks for the reply. first part sounds good. however, why not list my son on there as a dependent for shits and giggles since he has a social security number?
I am not too worried about deductions because I will be using the 2555 form for the exemption and I don't even come close to using up the $80,000 it allows for. I just don't want to have problems in the future with my family not being in the "system" from the get go.

[Agitator]

thanks for the reply. first part sounds good. however, why not list my son on there as a dependent for shits and giggles since he has a social security number?
I am not too worried about deductions because I will be using the 2555 form for the exemption and I don't even come close to using up the $80,000 it allows for. I just don't want to have problems in the future with my family not being in the "system" from the get go.

If you have a child you can file as Head of Household.

Fiscally,
A.

[Plats]

thanks for the reply. first part sounds good. however, why not list my son on there as a dependent for shits and giggles since he has a social security number?
I am not too worried about deductions because I will be using the 2555 form for the exemption and I don't even come close to using up the $80,000 it allows for. I just don't want to have problems in the future with my family not being in the "system" from the get go.

Yes, by all means claim your son if he has a SSN. You may even make money on the deal with the Child Tax Credit. As mentioned, Head of Household is fine, too.

[ozmojo]

thanks for the info guys.

after looking at all the forms it seems that since I have not paid any taxes in the states and don't owe anything, I can't get any free money. bummer. so, no point in head of househould or doing any of the child tax credit work forms.