First Tax year

[Bruce]

Any general advice on filing taxes once you are married to your bride from the FSU?  I am in the  process of doing 2004 taxes.  I got married in early November .  Any pointers from any of you accountants out there I may not be thinking of??   

[jb]

Did you get her SSN yet?  If so, enjoy the deduction for tax year 2004, even if you married on December 30th, it as though you were married for the whole year.  If she doesn't have the SSN yet, file for a 90 day extension to give you time to get the EAD approved and get the number from SSA.

[Bruce]

Thanks JB and yes I did get her a social security number during the first 90 days.  I did not apply for the I-751 form because right now she is not working (other than as a homemaker).  I am wondering if anyone specifically recommends filing as joint married as opposed to single married?  Any thoughts on this one.  I guess I have to speak with an accountant - but I figured some of you guys may have knowledge as well as strong opinions on this question.

[jb]

I use TurboTax softwear and figure everything both ways, then file whichever way is most advantageous to me, usually "married, filing jointly", which is probably what will be best for you since she has had no income to report.  She simply gives you another $6,500 dollar exemption., or,, if you look at it this way,, she reduces your taxable income by $6,500.   (I haven't done my 2004 taxes yet, but I think the personal exemption is $6,500 per person)

[Bruce]

I use turbotax as well.  It makes perfect sense to try entering the numbers both ways etc.  just to see what happens.  Thanks

[Vaughn]

Bruce, I'm no tax accountant, but out of curiosity,
was your last trip over on a tourist or business visa?
I think the latter may open up some doors for those who itemize. As jb mentioned, that personal exemption is nice, and claiming two really made a difference for me.

Vaughn

(if only our mayonnaise bill were deductible, I'd be in deep cotton)

[Bruce]

The last one was business but it was fully re-imbursed. 

[Riverview777]

A consideration is that when you go for your appointment for the I-485, you need proof you are married and living together.  Examples required joint tax returns, utility bills in both names and bank account in both names.                                      u

[Bruce]

Joint ended up the way I went.