How can I file jointly if my spouse is a foreign national?

[pk]

@mtalha94  I need more info :

(a)  you are saying you filed as  Head of Household ( HoH ) using your mother as a  qualifying dependent.   You also say you included your wife on your 2023 return  ( as a dependent ?? ) with a fake SSN

(b) Does your mother live with you ?   

(c) Does your mother have a Tax id ( SSN or ITIN )?

I am asking these additional questions because   I am somewhat afraid ( without the answers I seek )  that your return may be erroneous.   Every statement on a filed return must be true.

Please provide as much detail as you can --- you cam PM me if need be.   

Salam Aliqum

[mtalha94]

Yes my mother lives with me , there is not issue from her side as she is a US citizen since 2010 and yes she has a SSN.

THe only issue is with my wife side, becuase I was suppose to paper file it and put NRA where the social security number go but I accidently efiled and forgot. So should I amend it ? or what do I do.

I called turbotax number they said you cannot do anything to change it.

[pk]

@mtalha94 , the reason I am probing  more is because 

(a) the meaning of HoH for tax purposes is very specific  ( this is quite different  from the use of Head of Household  as used in Pakistan / India etc.

--- your mother and you need to meet the following  ( for HoH  filing status :(

          Qualifying relative

A qualifying relative must meet general rules for dependents and pass these tests:

• Not a qualifying child: Isn't your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer
• Member of household or relationship: Lives with you all year as a member of your household or is a specific type of relative
• Gross income: Has gross income under $5,050
• Support: Gets more than half their financial support from you.

 Assuming that you met all of the above for claiming HoH using your mother as a qualifying relative, I do not see the reason for claiming your wife on your return .

If your original filing as HoH is itself wrong, then you would need to file an amended return to correct that.

(b)  If you need to add your wife  ( currently only as a dependent -- but no real benefit ), 

           1. Prepare the return  using dummy Tax ID  ( SSN like  123-45-6000 ),;

            2. When all done, select file by mail, print the return;

             3. Replace the dummy Tax ID with " N R A ";

             4. Now  file by mail.

The only reason you are filing by mail  is to allow  the dummy SSN  ( to keep TurboTax happy ) to be replaced by  "N R A ".    So filing an amended return in this case achieves nothing -- just clutters the work.

However, by leaving in place a dummy SSN for your wife, you are  committing perjury.   

Perhaps, you should visit the local IS office and  explain the situation.  They are usually very understanding and helpful.  Insha Allah, all this will work out for you.

Is there more I can do for you ?