Chile Forum

If I marry in Chile, but don't file as married on my taxes because my Chilean wife doesn't have a TIN (Tax Identification Number), Am I in possible trouble, or loosing out?
What are the steps for getting her a TIN?
Do I register the marriage at the embassy, like births abroad etc.?

Not sure about being in trouble, but getting the ITIN is described in http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/ ... html#apply and you need to submit the form with your tax return. You'll have to get some notarized or authenticated proof of identification for your wife.

IMO, wife abuse to subject her to the IRS.

Filing individual is a small price to pay for freedom for her.

Good point. LOL. But seriously... I don't want flags going up, give them an excuse to audit. I have nothing to hide, but DO NOT ever want the parasites wasting my time. Living in Chile has a lot to do with quality time. Learn the ropes, accept the failings, and your in paradise. Given recent legislation, and the hideous debt, they'll be going after every penny they can. I understand the IRS is hiring a lot of new agents. Go figure.
They'll catch up with her if I die, over death tax, anyway. Maybe that's keeping me alive.

How old are you?
If a USA citizen dies and his spouse is not a citizen (resident doesn't count here), there is no tax free transfer of assets. It all becomes subject to whatever estate tax rules are in effect at the time.
Happy tax planning!