@mytubosnoofie wrote:
First: Turbo tax does not let me see the standard deduction that was taken for 2019. My spouse is not eligible for a standard deduction. How do I know TTax did this correctly? I can't see the return.
Second: I need to write in NRA for the Tax ID number. But again, I cannot print out the form to do this. The program wants me to pay first. I do not want to pay, just to find out the return is not correct.
Third: I do have a completed and signed W-7 application for the TIN. Is it possible this signature can serve as signature on the 1040?
Thanks for your time.
You should read this site and publication 519 from the IRS.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/nonresident-alien-spouse
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf
I believe that if you make the choice to treat your spouse as a resident alien for tax purposes, they are entitled to the standard deduction. However, you may want to seek expert advice. Also, the choice will automatically continue in the future unless you send in a signed notice to go back to treating your spouse as an NRA.
You can't print a tax return without paying. Turbotax is "free to start" but you have to pay before you can print or file. If you could print without paying, then people could file those returns and never pay for the service. If you purchase Turbotax Desktop version (Mac or PC, as a CD or download for Mac or PC) you can prepare and print as many test and real returns as you want, but of course you have to pay for the program up front.
You don't write "NRA" in the space for your spouse's SSN, you leave it blank or write "ITIN applied for". Your spouse is not an NRA for tax purposes if you make this election in order to file jointly and claim the credit.
You may be able to use a power of attorney for your spouse's signature, but I don't think you can leave the tax return unsigned. Once the ITIN is issued, the tax return is sent to someone else and that person probably won't see the signed W-7. @Critter what do you think about signing the return?
