Tax Question

[buckterp]

Hi. My wife and I were married on Dec. 27, therefore I can claim her as a dependent for 2008. However, she doesn't have a Social Security # yet as we are still awaiting the processing of her AOS paperwork (once we get her work permit, we can use that to get the Social Security #). It will be at least another month or so until we receive the work permit. As April 15th approaches, would I be better off filing my taxes without declaring her as a dependent, then filing an addendum later, or should I file for an extension and wait for the SS #?
Thanks for your help !!

[Vaughn]

Regardless of why she didn't secure the SS# before your wedding, she needs an ITIN - and fast.

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html

[SMS60]

Hi. My wife and I were married on Dec. 27, therefore I can claim her as a dependent for 2008. However, she doesn't have a Social Security # yet as we are still awaiting the processing of her AOS paperwork (once we get her work permit, we can use that to get the Social Security #). It will be at least another month or so until we receive the work permit. As April 15th approaches, would I be better off filing my taxes without declaring her as a dependent, then filing an addendum later, or should I file for an extension and wait for the SS #?
Thanks for your help !!

If it was me. I would file for the extension. It is straight forward. If you are thinking it might raise a red flag with the IRS.....it wont.

It will give you time to recieve her #. Once you recieve it fill out your tax return and send it in. Done.

[kievstar]

Have you done your taxes without her as a dependent.  Need to make sure you do not owe a certain amount and have to pay interest penalty.  Also, call the IRS - there actually friendly people. Serious on this.

[Markus]

Buckterp,

You should get an ITIN. You can see the form here : http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96696,00.html#itin

This will allow you to legally claim her as a dependent. You just put the number where the SSN goes on the 1040 form. I did this
before my wife received her SSN. After your wife gets her SSN, you just use it instead of the ITIN. Also, since you were married in
2008, she didn't get any of the stimulus money. After she gets her SSN, she may be eligible for the rebate recovery credit. If you
have already filed before she gets her SSN, you would need to ammend your release with her SSN and claim the credit. You claim
it on line 70 of the 1040 form and unless you made a large amount of money in 2008, it's worth $600. The rules are a little vague
on whether or not the SSN must have been received in 2008. You can give it a try. Read about it here.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html

I just read your question again and realize I didn't answer the question. If you expect the SSN soon, I would request an extension so
you don't have to mess with the forms twice. Then you can use the SSN and try and claim the rebate recovery credit.

Mark

[tfcrew]

Regardless of why she didn't secure the SS# before your wedding, she needs an ITIN - and fast.

 Dittos...Best go to the nearest IRS office and get one.
The SS# will take a while.

 

[Capstech]

if you got married on Dec 27th 2008, your filing status will be "Married filing jointly"...
"You are considered married if you are legally married on the last day of the year. In order to file jointly, both you and your spouse must agree to file a joint tax return, and both must sign the return."

[Capstech]

You can't claim her as a dependent. IRS Publication 501 - "The term “dependent” means: a qualifying child or qualifying relative. The person either (a) must be related to you in one of the ways listed under Relatives who do not have to live with you, or (b) must live with you all year as a member of your household2 (and your relationship must not violate local law).