Anthony and Lachelle are married, and both were nonresident aliens at the beginning of the year. In July, Anthony became a resident alien and remained a resident for the rest of the year. Anthony and Lachelle agree to report their total worldwide income for the entire year. They wish to file only one return.

Question

What is Anthony's and Lachelle's correct and most favorable 2023 filing status?
Single.
Married filing jointly.
Married filing separately.
Head of household.

Answer 1

Given the circumstances you've described, the correct and most favorable filing status for Anthony and Lachelle for the year 2023 would be Married filing jointly.

Since Anthony became a resident alien during the year, he can choose to treat Lachelle as a resident alien as well. This allows them to file jointly and report their total worldwide income for the entire year. Filing jointly typically offers more tax benefits, such as lower tax rates and eligibility for various credits and deductions compared to other filing statuses.

Thus, the recommended filing status is Married filing jointly.