ITIN for joint tax return in US

[watgate]

My thai wife got her ITIN from the IRS and I am wondering if we are now entitled to file a joint tax return in the US and be able to get the tax deduction for her on my income tax return?

[ubonjoe]

Yes you can file a joint tax return.

[GinBoy2]

Can't think of any other reason to get an ITIN other than for 1040 filing 

 

Many of us have or do do it.

 

Saved a bunch on my taxes having the married allowance before we moved to the US and my wife got an SSN

[JimGant]

On 9/19/2021 at 5:23 PM, GinBoy2 said:

Can't think of any other reason to get an ITIN other than for 1040 filing 

Yeah, you get to double your standard deduction having the wife on the tax filing. And even if she has worldwide income, now subject to US taxation, if it's below $12550 (her part of the standard deduction), it's a no brainer. And even if she's making more than $12550, if paying taxes on that with a treaty country, you can get a tax credit on your 1040. Finally, without wifey having an ITIN, you, having to file 'married filing single,' you now have to pay tax on all your Social Security income, up to the 85% cap. In many cases, this cap is much lower when filing married jointly.

[gamb00ler]

6 hours ago, JimGant said:

 Finally, without wifey having an ITIN, you, having to file 'married filing single,' you now have to pay tax on all your Social Security income, up to the 85% cap. In many cases, this cap is much lower when filing married jointly.

I saw that problem with the "married filing single" rules.  I wonder why the IRS wish to punish those who file in that manner?

[NancyL]

One advantage of getting an ITIN for your Thai spouse is that upon you passing it will be easier for her to claim her inheritance from your U.S. bank accounts, pensions, life insurance policies, etc.  They will ask for a SSN, ITIN and if she doesn't have one, there will be a delay while she gets one.  And probably cost from a U.S. lawyer who helps her.