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Electing to Treat a Nonresident Spouse as a U.S. Resident

If you meet the conditions of the substantial presence test, you are considered to be a U.S. resident for U.S. tax purposes. If you qualify as a U.S. resident under the substantial presence test, you may be able to have your nonresident spouse treated as a U.S. resident for international tax purposes even if your spouse does not qualify under the substantial presence test (1).

What are the Implications of Treating a Nonresident Spouse as a Resident?

If you elect to treat your nonresident spouse as a resident for U.S. taxation purposes, several other tax consequences will occur. In the year that you elect your nonresident spouse as a U.S. resident, both you and your nonresident spouse will be treated as U.S. residents for the entire tax year for the purposes of U.S. federal income tax and U.S. federal income tax withholding. The nonresident spouse may still elect to be treated as a nonresident alien for the purposes of other taxes, such as Chapter 3 withholding or Social Security or Medicare tax withholding (2).

Another implication of treating the nonresident spouse as a U.S. resident for tax purposes, is that in the year that you make that election, both you and your nonresident spouse will be taxed on your worldwide income (3).

How Can I Elect to Treat a Nonresident Spouse as a Resident?

In order to treat your nonresident spouse as a resident, you and your spouse must file a joint tax return. In addition to completing a joint return, you must also attach a written statement to the return which contains specific information. In particular, this written declaration must state that you are either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident for tax purposes on the last day of the tax year. You must also write that your spouse is a nonresident, but you are electing to treat your spouse as a U.S. resident for the purposes of U.S. taxation for the entire tax year. In addition, the written statement must contain the name, address, and identification number of each spouse.

Can I Elect to Treat a Nonresident Spouse as a Resident Retroactively?

In general, you should elect to treat your nonresident spouse as a U.S. resident at the time you file your joint tax return. The election should be made in the year for which you wish to make the election. However, if you fail to do so, you may make the election at a later date by filing an amended return. You can claim this special status by filing a joint amended return within 3 years from the date that you filed your original return, or within 2 years from the date that you actually paid your income tax for that year, whichever is later. The form used for these purposes is the Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (4).

A Tax Attorney Can Help You and Your Nonresident Spouse with Your Tax Situation

If you are a U.S. Citizen or U.S. resident for taxation purposes, and you wish to treat your nonresident spouse as a U.S. resident, you may need the assistance of a knowledgeable tax attorney to help you evaluate all aspects of your situation.

The Tax Lawyer - William D. Hartsock has been successfully helping clients comply with U.S. International Tax Laws and deal with issues related to worldwide taxation since the early 1980s. Mr. Hartsock offers free consultations with the full benefit and protections of attorney client privilege to help people clearly understand their situation and options based on the circumstances of their case. To schedule your free consultation simply fill out the contact form found on this page, or call (858) 481-4844.

Resources:

  • (1) http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/26/1.6013-6
  • (2) http://americansabroad.org/issues/taxation/us-tax-implications-of-a-non-american-spouse/
  • (3) http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Nonresident-Spouse-Treated-as-a-Resident
  • (4) http://www.irs.gov/uac/Form-1040X,-Amended-U.S.-Individual-Income-Tax-Return

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The Tax Lawyer - William D. Hartsock, Esq. – San Diego Tax Attorney

Author: William D. Hartsock, Esq

A "Certified Tax Law Specialist" for over 37 years, Mr. Hartsock is one of the most trusted and respected tax attorneys in Southern California. Call today to discuss the facts of your case and learn about your options. Mr. Hartsock offers free consultations and all conversations are protected under attorney-client privilege; meaning that no information shared with a tax attorney will be shared with the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board.