Hi all,

Few questions ans concenrns.
1. After five years of stay on F-1, one can file TAX as US residence. So we can use the form 1040 when filing jointly with spouse. Is that correct?
2. Since F2 spouse cannot have SSN, he/she need to apply for Tax ID Number ITIN). Is it good to file single or good to have TIN number for spouse and file jointly? I guess more return in second case, but is there any long term effect of having TIN?
3.How hard is to get TIN.

Any body who went through this procedure please help.
Thanks

There is only benefit of having TIN. I haven't heard of any disdvantage. Residents - married filing jointly gives you more tax break and may qualify for other credits.

yeah, you need to do asap though since ITIN takes 6-8 weeks and you will have to paper file (not e-file) it.

Thanks Harris and Dariwal for the inputs. As I talked to the TIN people, they told TIN application can be sent directly to them along with the TAX filing before and on 15th April. After getting the number, they will forward it to the IRS. So I guess I dont have to wait to get TIN and file TAX.