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New Member
posted Jun 3, 2019 1:08:42 PM

How to e-file in New York when you need to write 'Non resident alien' on your foreign spouse's SSN# on paper form?

'Writing "non-resident alien" in place of SSN for foreign spouse on "married but filing separately" return.'----that's what they told me to do. However, New York state requires e-filing but I can only write 'NRA' in the paper form. Does anyone know what to do? 

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9 Replies
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 1:08:43 PM

A tax return, federal or state, cannot be e-filed when entering NRA in the Social Security field.  The New York state tax return will have to be printed and mailed.  New York allows a state tax return to be mailed if the software being used to file the return does not support electronic filing.

New Member
Jun 3, 2019 1:08:44 PM

Thank you for the reply. In my case, I received a message that I 'must' e-file because I used software (turbotax). That's why I'm confused because I need to enter 'NRA' on the printed form.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 1:08:45 PM

Disregard the message.  You must print and mail the state return since you are going to enter NRA in the Social Security number box.

New Member
Mar 27, 2020 10:19:32 AM

I have the same issue - plus I am wondering how we are meant to write NRA on the NYS tax return when it explicitly states "No Handwritten entries"

Level 2
Mar 4, 2022 9:22:39 PM

This is the same problem that I am faced with, my last choice was to find empty forms and fill out the information that Turbo Tax generated for me. I'm not 100% sure if it will work out

Expert Alumni
Mar 5, 2022 7:58:41 AM

Yes you can copy your tax information onto New York fill-in forms @Carmen256. It's a long process but it ensures you will meet the requirement's of the state's e-filing mandate.

 

E-file requirement for individual taxpayers

New Member
Apr 17, 2023 4:01:59 PM

did this work out for you?

Level 2
Feb 10, 2024 11:22:16 AM

Did this work for you? I’m in the same situation right now.

Expert Alumni
Feb 11, 2024 1:10:56 PM

No, you can't e-file a tax return with "NRA" written in the SSN field. You aren't technically required to e-file in that circumstance. 

 

The NY e-file mandate is this:

 

"You're required to electronically file your return if you meet all three of the following conditions:

  • you use software to prepare your own personal income tax return; and
  • your software supports the electronic filing of your return; and
  • you have broadband Internet access."   - NYS Department of Taxation and Finance

Since TurboTax doesn't support the electronic filing of a tax return without a SSN, you aren't required to e-file that return.