Get your taxes done using TurboTax

No, for this first year, you would need to file separately because you are a non-resident alien at the end of 2023 because you did not satisfy the requirements of the substantial presence test, which states you need to be in the US for 183 days. Any days you are exempt because of a Visa status does not count toward the 183 day requirement.

1. Since you would need to file separately this first year, the 4848 will be issued in your name only since you are the only TP on the return.
2.  Prepare your return prior to filling out the 4868. To fill out the 4868, you need to know the amount of tax liability on line 16 of your 1040 plus any payments reflected between lines 17-25 in your tax return. Turbo tax should have these values populated in your tax return you just prepared. Again, I would strongly suggest not filling this out without first preparing a tax return because you may be clueless on what to report.
3. Form 4868 can be filed electronically from Turbo online or the software. Once you prepared your 1040 return, you can use the search bar with the magnifying glass and type the words Form 4868.  Then there will be a link that appears that says, jump to 4868.  Select that this will allow you to fill out and then submit electronically.
4. You would need to submit you tax return by mail when making the first year choice. it cannot be filed electronically. 
5. The statement will be printed as well and included with the mailed tax return. It can be typed & printed but the signatures need to be made by hand. 
6. No, you would not need to include an explanation for filing a 4868. This will be provided when you actually mail in your return making the First Year Election choice.
7. If there is a tax due, you will be expected to pay it to avoid a late filing penalty. There is no grace period in paying the tax, only for filing the return.

Now, how to report your return filing separately. You would need to report your wife in your return even though you are reporting Married filing Separately in this first year. In 2024, you may file jointly if you plan on being in the US for the year and that you are a resident alien in 2024.

1. Prepare your return in TurboTax by choosing the option as Married Filing Separately.
2. When you get to the Let’s get ready to e-file screen, select File by Mail.
3. TurboTax will give you an error regarding the missing Social Security number or ITIN for your spouse. Proceed to print with the error, but write Nonresident Alien or NRA in the space for your spouse’s Social Security number before mailing in your return.
4. If your wife already has a Social Security Number or ITIN, ignore step 2.
5. Mail the return, along with the other documents we mentioned previously, to the address on the instruction sheet that prints with the return.

@NursultanBS