topic Re: ITIN in After you file

ITIN

Mo93 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:03:55 GMT

Hello,

I really need help with this I looked everywhere and can't get a straight answer,

I got married last year in Sept and my wife has never been to the US can I file married filing jointly?

or must I file married filing separately?

I really appreciate any help you can provide.

Re: ITIN

MaryK4 — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 04:43:24 GMT

Yes, you can file Married Jointly, but your spouse is treated, for federal income tax purposes, as a U.S resident. This means she would be required to report her worldwide income. See Nonresident Spouse.

Re: ITIN

Mo93 — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 04:47:27 GMT

How can I get a ITIN for her since she's never been here and on w7 it says they need a passport with an entry date?

Re: ITIN

DanaB27 — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:10:47 GMT

According to the W-7 instructions: "If you’ve never entered the United States, enter “Never entered the United States” on this line."

Re: ITIN

Mo93 — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:25:20 GMT

Would a certified copy of the passport be sufficient or I need anything else since it doesn't have an entry date on it

@DanaB27

Re: ITIN

Critter-3 — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:30:50 GMT

READ the W-7 instructions : https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-7

Supporting Documentation Requirements

Whether you are applying for a new ITIN or renewing an existing ITIN, you must provide documentation that meets the following requirements.

You must submit documentation to establish your identity and your connection to a foreign country (“foreign status”). Applicants claimed as dependents must also prove U.S. residency unless the applicant is from Canada or Mexico or the applicant is a dependent of U.S. military personnel stationed overseas.
You must submit original documents, or certified copies of these documents from the issuing agency, that support the information provided on Form W-7. A certified copy of a document is one that the original issuing agency provides and certifies as an exact copy of the original document and contains an official stamped seal from the agency. You may be able to request a certified copy of documents at an embassy or consulate. However, services may vary between countries, so it’s recommended that you contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for specific information.

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Original documents you submit will be returned to you at the mailing address shown on your Form W-7. You don’t need to provide a return envelope. Applicants are permitted to include a prepaid Express Mail or courier envelope for faster return delivery of their documents and to ensure the secure delivery of valuable documents, such as passports. The IRS will then return the documents in the envelope provided by the applicant. If your original documents aren’t returned within 60 days, you can call the IRS (see Telephone help, earlier). If you will need your documents for any purpose within 60 days of submitting your ITIN application, you may wish to apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or a CAA. See Where To Apply, later.