How do I file separate without spouses social security number

[nicholasapotter]

I am separated and she will not give me her social security number

[bwa · Accepted solution]

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.)

[SweetieJean]

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?

[nicholasapotter]

She is a little vindictive, so probably will have to do paper

[SweetieJean]

If you used TT in the past for Joint filings, you can get her SSN here.

[nicholasapotter]

never filed before, I'm 21

[johnmonty2019]

she filled last year, so you have her SSN on file, would that be suffice?

[Taylor77]

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. 

[xmasbaby0]

@Taylor77 

You can get a free transcript from the IRS:   

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

[dmertz]

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:

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc156

[cdufon0114]

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

[MayaD]

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.

[WordmanXYZ]

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

[SusanY1]

Yes, simply write NRA where her social security number or ITIN would go before mailing.  Best wishes on your new marriage! 

@WordmanXYZ

[BridgeHall555]

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?