Internal Revenue Service United States Department of the Treasury

How Would You Respond?

Rishabh:

 

I've been here as a student for two years. My wife and children joined me the following year and have been here since. I don't know which filing status to use or if I can claim my wife or any of my children as exemptions.

You:

 

I can help you with that. Let's first determine which status you should file. Are you a resident?

Rishabh:

 

No, I am here in F-1 immigration status for school.

You:

 

Ok, so your filing status is going to be "Other Married nonresident alien" and you can use Form 1040-NR to file. Did your wife earn any income last year?

Rishabh:

 

No, she is F-2 immigration status and is not allowed to work.