If you are working in the U.S. on a work visa (such as H-1B or L-1) and your spouse is on an H-4 or L-2 visa without an SSN, you may be tempted to file as Married Filing Separately. Doing so is often a costly mistake that leaves thousands of dollars on the table.
The Standard Deduction Advantage
For tax year 2026, the standard deduction amounts are:
- Married Filing Separately: $14,600
- Married Filing Jointly: $29,200 (Double the deduction!)
By obtaining an ITIN for your spouse and electing to file jointly under Section 6013(g), your household immediately shields an extra $14,600+ of income from federal income taxes.
More Favorable Tax Brackets
Joint filers enjoy wider tax brackets. An individual earning $120,000 filing separately hits the 24% marginal tax bracket, whereas a joint return with the same income stays comfortably inside the lower 12% to 22% brackets.
How FidemTax Simplifies Spousal ITIN Applications
We prepare your joint Form 1040 and Form W-7 concurrently. Our Certified Acceptance Agent procedures authenticate your marriage certificate and passport scans so you never risk lost documents in transit.