IRS Return for 2013 - L1 & L2 Visa

[mitulgk]

Hello All,

Need some help in identifying the correct way to file my 2013 IRS return.

Below are required details:

-- I have entered (alone, wife was back in India) US in Nov 2013 on L1.
-- I have valid SSN.
-- My wife entered US in Feb 2014 on L2.
-- My wife does not have SSN or ITIN currently.

Queries:

(1) For 2013 return should I file Single, Married (File Jointly) or Married (File Separately)?
. . . . . .My understanding is - Married (File Jointly).

(2) Do I need to get ITIN for my wife before I file my 2013 IRS return?
. . . . . .My understanding is:
. . . . . . . . . . .(i) My wife cannot get SSN as she is on L2 and does not have work permit
. . . . . . . . . . .(ii) My wife's ITIN is not required for filing 2013 IRS return (and SSN/ITIN for my wife should be mentioned as NRA on the 2013 IRS return)
. . . . . . . . . . .(iii) Will have to apply for my wife's ITIN along with filing 2013 IRS return.

(3) Should I be claiming exemption for me as well as my wife in 2013 IRS return?

Thanks in advance for all the help/suggestions.


Thanks and Regards,

MitulGK