Without your spouse's SSN or ITIN, you won't be able to proceed to e-file, unfortunately. You will have to paper-file. To file married, the IRS requires your spouse's SSN or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). In your situation, it might be easier to file Married Filing Separately ( without claiming a spouse as an exemption), then you will not need to apply for an ITIN for her. If you want to file jointly or separately with claiming her as an exemption, you will need to apply for an ITIN. Either way, you won't be able to e-file and must paper file your taxes. You can still use the program to prepare your tax forms but submit by mail. Below are the steps how you enter info in the program:
To file separately without the SSN or ITIN (not claiming your spouse):
- In the program, leave the SSN space blank
- After completing the return, print out the forms. Write “NRA” in the spouse's SSN space. ( NRA stands for Nonresident Alien). Do not leave the space blank.
- Submit all the forms and required documents to IRS based on the instructions on your print-out.
You may claim your spouse as a dependent if she meets the following requirements.
- had no US gross income,
- isn't filing a return, and
- wasn't the dependent of another taxpayer.
To file jointly or separately with claiming your spouse as an exemption, you basically file and apply for the ITIN together:
- In the program, leave the SSN space blank
- After completing the return, print out the forms. Write APPLIED in the spouse's SSN space.
- As TurboTax does not support the Form W-7, fill out the forms by following W-7 and attach other required documentation
- Submit all forms and documents to the IRS Austin location in Texas. (see Form W-7 instructions)
