Get your taxes done using TurboTax

If your spouse is a nonresident alien, there are several ways that you can file.

1. Married filing jointly with nonresident spouse.

•  Under this option, you will have to notify the IRS that you are both electing to be treated as US Residents for tax purposes. 
•  You will have to file by mail to do this.
• If your spouse does not have a TIN or Social Security Number you will have to apply for one when you mail in your tax return.
• You can ignore messages in TurboTax regarding spouse's missing social security number.

(See the link below to get more detailed instructions on this.)
 

2. Married filing separately with nonresident spouse.

• Attempt to e-file the return with the Social Security Number field blank, using the instructions in the article linked below.
• Print your entire tax return, and write “NRA” where the spouse's social security number or ITIN should be.
• Mail it to the appropriate IRS office.
• Print your entire tax return and apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for your spouse.
• Attach Form W-7 and all required documentation to your paper return. 
• Take the package to a Certified Acceptance Agent, an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or mail to the IRS office listed in the W-7 instructions.

(See the link below to get more detailed instructions on this.)

3. Head of Household

• If you are Married and filing with a nonresident alien you may also file as head of household
• Filing as head of household may give you benefits such as a larger refund.
•  However, you must have another qualifying person to be eligible to file this way. Your spouse doesn’t count. Go here to learn if you’re eligible.

Click here for a more detailed explanation as to how to file your taxes with a nonresident alien spouse.