pk
Level 15
Level 15

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

@Navidht , 

 Sorry , this is not a software problem ( the ritual to include spouse  and  file as MFJ ) -- it is IRS requirement.

 

If you change your mind and do decide to file as MFJ -- this is what I wrote for another user  and would be generally applicable to your case:

 

"  

(a) you can file jointly with your wife, provided she  ( and you ) agree to expose her world income to US taxation.

(b)   To achieve this 

1. Prepare your MFJ return in TurboTax using a dummy  SSN  for your wife.  Include any income she may have had for the  Tax year ( note since Sri Lanka  tax year is different  from a calendar year, you will have to allocate  her  appropriately i.e. earned   from Jan 1st  2024 through 12/31/2024  for example ).

2. Once all the checks for the federal and the State are done, choose to file by mail.

3. Replace  the dummy SSN for your spouse  with  " N  R  A ".   

4. Now sign and date -- both of you 

5. Download from the IRS site form W-7 and its instructions.  Complete this form for your spouse, collect  all the required documents ( originals and a copy).

 6.  Use the  nearest US consulate  or  IRS authorized agents (for the purpose )  to certify the copies  of the required documents.  Your wife has to sign the W-7 application for  ITIN.

7.  Now add a   letter signed / dated by both you and your spouse requesting that you both want her to be treated as resident ( for tax purposes for the tax year 2024 ).

8 Mail all the above documents to the IRS  ( use the  address for your locality ).   "

 

There is nothing in the tax treaty  that gets in your way.  I do note that Germany , like US  taxes its residents on World Income but is residency  based ( unlike US ).

 

Is there more I can do for you. ?

 

Grusse