tax return : j-1 visa --> got married?

Question

Hello,

Here is my situation.

From 01/2006 to 09/2006 :
I had a J-1 visa and I earned 29k for these 9 months.

From 10/2006 to 12/2006 :
I got married with an american citizen and I didn't work

Should I fill only a 1040NR, or dual status?

Thank you

Answer 1

you status at the end of 2006 was married, so you file as married for 2006 tax year.

Answer 2

The best option is for her to apply for a K-1 visa, leave the US and then return on that visa before getting married. K-1 is the "fiance visa". She will have 90-days to get married before the I-94 expires. After she gets married, she presents the marriage certificate with her passport, visa and I-94 and is given a temporary Green Card ("temporary" until they manage to print a proper one). See the US State Department website. If you get married in the US, she will have to "Adjust Status" of a Lawful Permanent Immigrant. Adjusting Status is a long and costly exercise, and usually prohibits the non-citizen from re-entering the US until it's over (so leaving the US is pretty much out of the question. This process usually takes several years and is done (initially) through Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). The answer above "just get married" is almost always "the wrong way" as the fiance effectively becomes an "illegal immigrant" in the process. The K-1 visa is almost alway recognized as the "right way" to do things. As always, you should consult an appropriate attorney.

Answer 3

You most likely need to file a joint return.

Answer 4

for tax purposes you have been married the whole year.