Filing H1; claiming H4 dependents

[yardost]

I am on a H1 visa since May of last year and have my family with me on H4. I also took a course during the summer months as I am teacher. Need your help on understanding what would be the best way to:
1) File taxes as? Married filing jiontly or single with dependents?
2) Claim my family as dependents as they do not have SSNs and no income.
3) What deductions are available to me? Are the cost for the course tax deductible?

Appreciate your help in advance.

[siva]

Hi,

It is advantageous to file as married filing jointly. If you want to claim exemptions for spouse or other dependents like children, they need either SSN or ITIN. You have to complete Form W7 and file along with tax returns. Then only they can get ITIN and IRS allows exemptions for them.

The course you did is related to your career advancement, its tax deductible.

Siva

snellori@austin.rr.com