Filing Status?

[Mikey&Abby]

We live in Missouri.

I arrived in the US on July of 2004 and got my permanent residence card approved last January. I haven't been employed since I arrived. Thus, I have no income. Should my husband put "married filing separately" or "married filing jointly" for his 2004 tax return? Can he claim me as his dependent in both?

Thanks in advance,
Abby

[Snipes5]

You are treated as a citizen from either the date you received your green card, or the date you first entered the US after receiving it, whichever is sooner.

You and he should file "Married Filing a Joint Return".

Snipes

[Mikey&Abby]

Originally Posted by Snipes5

You are treated as a citizen from either the date you received your green card, or the date you first entered the US after receiving it, whichever is sooner.

You and he should file "Married Filing a Joint Return".

Snipes

Snipes,

Even if I DON'T have income at all? Sorry, but my husband and I are quite novice on this stuff. Can he claim me as his dependent?

Thanks again,
Abby

[Snipes5]

Yes, even if you have no income at all.

He does not claim you as a dependent, you are a spouse.

If you look at the forms you will note that next to the "Married Filing a Joint Return" status, it says, (even if only one had income).

Snipes

[me 2 mt]

It's almost always to your benefit to file jointly instead of separately when married, usually get a bigger refund. And like the previous poster said, you are listed as a spouse, not a dependant. Good luck!