Skip to main content
Level 2
June 7, 2019
Solved

How do I file separate without spouses social security number

  • June 7, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 0 views
I am separated and she will not give me her social security number
Best answer by bwa

To file separately without the spouse's social security number you need to file by mail.  The return will not e-file.  Include a cover letter with the return explaining why the SSN for the spouse is missing.

(To print the return, just ignore any SSN error messages.)

4 replies

bwaAlumni - ChampAnswer
Alumni - Champ
June 7, 2019

To file separately without the spouse's social security number you need to file by mail.  The return will not e-file.  Include a cover letter with the return explaining why the SSN for the spouse is missing.

(To print the return, just ignore any SSN error messages.)

Alumni - Champ
June 7, 2019
She also needs your SSN to file her own return, so maybe you can convince her to cooperate.  Or, do you have any prior Joint tax returns?
Level 2
March 10, 2020

How do I get this form? I've been seperated for years, need to file taxes, don't have his SS number.

Alumni - Intuit
March 10, 2020

To get an online transcript or a copy by mail visit the IRS website. If you can't get your spouse's SSN you can't e-file. Leave the box blank and print and mail in your return. Attach a statement to explain your situation.

If you meet the qualification to be "considered unmarried" you might be able to file as Head of household.

 

To be Considered Unmarried:

1. You file a separate return

2. You paid more than half the cost of keeping up your home for the tax year.

3. Your spouse did not live in your home during the last 6 months of the tax year. Your

spouse is considered to live in your home even if he or she is temporarily absent due to special circumstances.

4. Your home was the main home of your child, stepchild, or foster child for more than half the year.

5. You must be able to claim an exemption for the child.

 

 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
Level 2
February 8, 2021

I’m a US citizen who’s married to a NRA I’m currently waiting for his immigrant visa.. I don’t have to apply for taxes because I’m unemployed but this year I’m applying for 2020 tax to be able to get the Recovery Rebate Credit.. I currently reside outside the US with my spouse and the only way I can file for tax is through free file online and I can’t get through the application without putting his SSN or ITIN and I can’t send it by mail because it’s almost impossible to reach the US in time from the country where I reside!!! Please help me!  

Level 14
February 8, 2021

You would need to apply for an ITIN for him.  To do so, you must file a Form W-7 along with submitting your tax return.  Without an SSN or ITIN, you won't be able to e-file either.  

 

To prepare your tax return in the TurboTax program, here are the steps: 

  • In the program, as you enter the information, leave the SSN space blank
  • After entering all your information, print out returns and required forms ( write APPLIED in the spouse's space) 
  • As TurboTax does not support the Form W-7, fill out the forms by following
  •  https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/General-ITIN-Information and attach to other required  documentation
  • Submit both the Form W-7 and your tax forms to IRS Austin location in Texas.  ( see Form W-7 instructions)

The ITIN is a nine-digit number that's formatted similarly to an SSN. To apply for an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This number allows taxpayers who don't have a Social Security Number (SSN) to file income tax returns. Unlike other forms of ID, ITINs only have one purpose—tax filing and reporting. Having an ITIN number won't make you eligible for benefits, such as Social Security or earned income credits that provide refunds to some low-income filers.  To learn more, click here: ITIN

 

 

Level 12
March 1, 2023

Can you clarify if you are referring to filing a married filing separate return without your spouse's SSN or filing a return when your spouse is a non-resident alien without an SSN?

 


@Happymonkey1234 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
Level 2
March 1, 2023

Married filing separate, spouse has SSN but won’t give it to me.