Get your taxes done using TurboTax

In referencing the DC state tax laws, if the federal return allows a non-resident wife to be a resident for tax purposes, then this will be allowed. If for any reason DC doesn't accept this, it is possible to file married Filing jointly on the federal return and Married Filing Separate on the DC return.

She would not be able to claim the FEIE for investment income. This is strictly for an exclusion for income earned for working in another country and being physically present in that country. Passive income from investments does not qualify for this exclusion. 

Prepare your return in TurboTax and select Married Filing Jointly as your filing options.

1. When you get to the Let’s get ready to e-file screen, select File by Mail.
2. Attach a statement to your return, signed by each of you that states that one of you is a U.S. citizen and the other is a nonresident alien and that you’re electing to both be treated as U.S. residents for tax purposes. Include the full name, address and Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) of each spouse. This won’t affect the immigration status of the nonresident alien.
3. Mail the return to the address on the instruction sheet that prints with the return.

If your spouse doesn’t have a Social Security number or ITIN, you’ll need to apply for one when you mail in your return. To do this, follow steps 1–3 above and then do this:

1. Fill out Form W-7 and attach it to your return, as well as all necessary documentation. Click on the link to download a pdf copy to fill out and attach to your return.
2. Mail the return to the address specified in the Form W-7 instructions.

Note: TurboTax will give you an error regarding the missing Social Security number for your spouse but ignore this error because you are mailing the return.
 

To file separately

1. Prepare your return in TurboTax.
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. Mail the return to the address on the instruction sheet that prints with the return.