Building a Family

If you get married to a non U.S. Citizen you must choose to file your tax return as married filing a joint return, or married filing separately.

In either case your new spouse needs to apply for a taxpayer identification number.

If you choose to file a joint return with your spouse, the income your spouse earned worldwide during the tax year must be included in your income.

Generally speaking if your spouse has little or no income, it could save you tax money by filing jointly.

If your spouse has an income it may be best for you to file a return as married filling separately. You can not file as single. If your new spouse has children that are not U.S. citizens, they do not qualify as your dependants. This is true even if you support them 100%.

If you and your spouse have a child together, it is important that you inform the U.S. Embassy of your new family member. This will enable you to apply for a social security number and U.S. citizenship.

This should be done promptly.