My wife and I are residents of the US for tax purposes (though we're both here on non-immigrant visas). I have a work visa (hence SSN), she does not. This is our first tax return since marriage.
TurboTax won't let me continue without entering an ITIN for my wife. I'm told on the forums and various help pages that I should get an ITIN and THEN prepare my tax return with TurboTax, filing for an extension if necessary.
However, according to the instructions for form W-7 (the form for getting an ITIN: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf), on pages 3 and 4, we're required to send in the form W-7 WITH THE COMPLETED TAX RETURN, WITH SSN/ITIN FIELDS LEFT BLANK.
So is there a way to complete a tax return with TurboTax without filling in my wife's ITIN, as the IRS requires? Or should I just give up on using TurboTax?
In order to claim your Non-Resident Spouse on your Tax Return you must apply for an ITIN with the IRS. To apply for an ITIN you must mail in your tax return with IRS Form W-7 and supporting documentation through the US Postal Service. Once the ITIN is issued, the IRS will include this information with your tax return and then process your return.
Below are the steps you must take in TurboTax to file your return through the U.S. Postal Service along with an application for an ITIN (W7).
Now that you are done on TurboTax, you must download and complete IRS Form W7 and follow the instructions below:
a) A declaration that one spouse was a non-resident alien and the other spouse a U.S. citizen or resident alien on the last day of your tax year, and that you choose to be treated as U.S. residents for the entire tax year.
b) The name, address, and identification number of each spouse.
3. Attach a copy of your Form W-7 (along with the necessary supporting documents) to your tax return. Supporting Documents must prove Foreign Status and Identity. Documents that provide simultaneously both include but are not limited to:
**For a Complete list of Supporting Documents please Click here Instructions W7
4. Once you have completed form W7 and all required documentation, mail your tax return along with your declaration statement, Form W-7 and supporting documents to the IRS.
Since You are filing your tax return as an attachment to your (ITIN) application, you should not mail your return to the address listed in the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ instructions. Instead, you must send your return, Form W-7 and proof of identity and foreign status documents to:
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
You may also apply using the services of an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent or visit some key IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in lieu of mailing your information to the IRS in Austin
In order to claim your Non-Resident Spouse on your Tax Return you must apply for an ITIN with the IRS. To apply for an ITIN you must mail in your tax return with IRS Form W-7 and supporting documentation through the US Postal Service. Once the ITIN is issued, the IRS will include this information with your tax return and then process your return.
Below are the steps you must take in TurboTax to file your return through the U.S. Postal Service along with an application for an ITIN (W7).
Now that you are done on TurboTax, you must download and complete IRS Form W7 and follow the instructions below:
a) A declaration that one spouse was a non-resident alien and the other spouse a U.S. citizen or resident alien on the last day of your tax year, and that you choose to be treated as U.S. residents for the entire tax year.
b) The name, address, and identification number of each spouse.
3. Attach a copy of your Form W-7 (along with the necessary supporting documents) to your tax return. Supporting Documents must prove Foreign Status and Identity. Documents that provide simultaneously both include but are not limited to:
**For a Complete list of Supporting Documents please Click here Instructions W7
4. Once you have completed form W7 and all required documentation, mail your tax return along with your declaration statement, Form W-7 and supporting documents to the IRS.
Since You are filing your tax return as an attachment to your (ITIN) application, you should not mail your return to the address listed in the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ instructions. Instead, you must send your return, Form W-7 and proof of identity and foreign status documents to:
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
You may also apply using the services of an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent or visit some key IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in lieu of mailing your information to the IRS in Austin