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.)
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?
She is a little vindictive, so probably will have to do paper
If you used TT in the past for Joint filings, you can get her SSN here.
she filled last year, so you have her SSN on file, would that be suffice?
From my reading of the site, it appears one needs to pay to access former filings? I am in same boat, I am separated and wife filed without telling me and I don't have her ss number. It's very sad that even filing separate I need her info but that is life I suppose.
You can get a free transcript from the IRS:
SSNs are now obfuscated in IRS transcripts by showing only the last 4 digits.
You might be able to get the SSN from an actual copy of a filed joint tax return, but I'm not sure. The fee for obtaining a copy of a one of your filed tax returns is $50:
How do I get this form? I've been seperated for years, need to file taxes, don't have his SS number.
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.
Does this answer apply to a situation where you are a U.S. citizen, but your wife is currently a nonresident alien?
I got married to a woman in China in early 2019, a Chinese citizen. We are still going through the U.S. marriage visa process. She does not have a U.S. SSN. I opted to file as married filing separately for 2019 in TT, but was unable to e-file w out a SSN for her. So I backed out and picked mail in option. I saved the pages off with that field blank.
I saw another Intuit post that talked about putting "NRA" in the SSN field for her when I print it out to mail. Will that cover it?
Thanks
Yes, simply write NRA where her social security number or ITIN would go before mailing. Best wishes on your new marriage!
Hi Susan, thanks so much for your expertise. For clarification, are you saying in WordmanXYZ’s case there is also no need to request a ITIN (as there is no claim for a spousal dependent exemption)? I have a very similar case to his.
I believe the spousal dependent exemption expired starting in 2018 anyway. Correct?
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!
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:
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
I clicked on the link and it lead me to posting a reply. How would I gain access to that joint filed SSN?
If you are referring to the IRS Itin Link - try this one. I tried the above one and it did bring me right to the IRS site, but I went to the site myself and copied it and renamed it just in case. FYI - clicking from this page might "leave" this page altogether and replace the tab with the site....
Hey, I am in the same boat this year, would like to know what you did eventually for your taxes?
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?