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New Member
posted Jun 3, 2019 11:59:29 AM

How to file CA State return while applying for ITIN for my spouse.

I am filing as Married filing Jointly. My spouse doesn't have SSN nor an ITIN. I will be filing my spouse ITIN Application (W7) along with the federal return (aware of writing "APPLIED FOR" in the SSN and get it printed) but unsure about how to file the CA state return.

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18 Replies
New Member
Jun 3, 2019 11:59:31 AM

You will want to file an extension for your state until you receive your ITIN. This is because the application for your ITIN is a federal filing. Most state will not process your return without either a SSN or an ITIN. (However some states will accept state filings with W-7 attachments. You will need to contact your state's Department of Revenue and ask if your state will accept a state tax return with a Form W-7 attached).  
When the IRS assigns you an ITIN, update your returns (both federal and state) in TurboTax with this new information and then you should be able to e-file your state return. 
Because many states give an automatic extension when you file the federal extension 
Form 4868, just file a federal extension even if you don't think you will need it for your federal tax return.  But check with your state's Department of Revenue to make sure that your state doesn't have a separate state extension filing.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3302452



New Member
Jun 3, 2019 11:59:32 AM

It's confusing. I have paper filed my federal taxes as I needed ITIN for my son. Now I got ITIN, can i go ahead and efile CA state taxes? Somewhere in turbotax, I have read that, you won't be able to e-file your state if your federal return was, or will be, paper-filed. As I understand, since I have paper filed my federal taxes, I must need to paper file your state taxes as well. Is that correct?

New Member
Jun 3, 2019 11:59:34 AM

That is correct.. I had to paper file our state return for the same reason though I had paid turbo tax for efile.

New Member
Jun 3, 2019 11:59:35 AM

Thank you.

New Member
Feb 28, 2020 2:20:24 PM

This is what I understood after talking to CA tax department -

For CA State Tax returns you just need to mention as "Applied For" in the SSN field and submit it. Once you receive the ITIN, send the details to CA tax office to update the details.

Expert Alumni
Mar 2, 2020 7:12:38 AM

That's correct -- unfortunately, you'll need to mail in your paper return.

Per California's 2019 540 Forms and Instructions Personal Income Tax Booklet, if your tax return has an amount due, mail your California tax return to:

FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

PO BOX 942867

SACRAMENTO CA 94267-0001

If your tax return shows a refund or no amount due, mail your tax return to the following address:

FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

PO BOX 942840

SACRAMENTO CA 94240-0001

Not applicable
Aug 11, 2020 10:52:01 PM

I recently got my spouse's ITIN. Do I need to amend my state tax return on turbo-tax and re-print it? Or can I just write it on the previously printed return?

Level 15
Aug 12, 2020 1:16:12 PM

If you have NOT filed the CA return you can :

 

1) open the program, add the new number and reprint the CA return to mail 

 

OR  

 

2) just enter the number on the already printed return to mail  

 

Your choice. 

Not applicable
Aug 13, 2020 2:23:55 AM

Thank you.

I am afraid, I do not see any box to fill in my spouse's ITIN on Form-540. Only on Form-1040, I see a box for spouse's ITIN.

Is Form-1040 the only form where I need to add ITIN, or is there some box on Form-540 as well?

Level 15
Aug 13, 2020 4:47:43 AM

Not sure how you cannot see that place ... it goes right under your number  ....  but you can open the program ... edit the spouse in the MY INFO section then revisit the state interview to bring the ITIN into place.

 

 

 

Not applicable
Aug 13, 2020 5:05:48 AM

Since I already finalized and printed my returns, I cannot edit my info on turbotax. Looks like I have to write the ITIN on the printed return. And on the printed state tax-return I realized that there is no box for my spouse's ITIN (this makes it hard to locate), it just shows 000-00-000 against my spouse SSN/ITN. 

 

Thanks critter for all your help, just one last thing to confirm (since I am not able to edit info on TurboTax online) is there only one place where I need to write my spouse's ITIN on Form-540?

 

(So difficult to locate since there is no explicit box mentioning my spouse's ITIN, just 000-00-000)

 

Level 15
Aug 13, 2020 5:17:00 AM

You CAN EDIT the return ... here is the trick ... log in and scroll down and click on ADD A STATE to open the account.  

Level 3
Mar 28, 2021 5:35:14 PM

@JohnW222 Hello John, I would just like to confirm. Should I mail my state tax return without an ITIN and then mail another one once the IRS has issued an ITIN for my wife, or should I just wait? I'm also filing jointly for CA.

Level 15
Mar 28, 2021 5:38:08 PM

WAIT for the ITIN to come to file any state returns.  Put the state on extension until you get the ITIN.  NEVER try to file 2 returns as this will cause a mess. 

Level 2
Apr 10, 2021 12:33:39 PM

I filed my Missouri refund with "Applied for" itin for my wife as I was told by HR block representatives and I have received substantially less return. 

 

Should I file amended Missouri return after I get ITIN ? 

Expert Alumni
Apr 11, 2021 10:11:02 AM

Yes.  You should file an amended return when you receive your spouse's ITIN.  State in the reason for amending "to report spouse's issued ITIN and to claim tax benefits not previously available due to lack of tax ID number."

New Member
Apr 28, 2021 4:08:05 PM

When you filed extension and paid with CA 3519 through FTB online, what did you put in for your spouse's SSN while awaiting for her ITIN?

Expert Alumni
Apr 29, 2021 10:35:50 AM

Hold off submitting the state return until you receive the ITIN then mail in or file return electronically