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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 6:20:07 PM

Can i file Single if i my spouse is a non-resident alien?

I am a Resident Alien and my spouse is a Non-Resident alien. In this case, what option do i need to choose while filing the Tax returns? Is it Single or Married Filing separately?

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3 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 6:20:10 PM

If you are a US citizen or US resident and your spouse does not have a Social Security number or an ITIN and you are not applying for an ITIN with the tax return then you can only file your tax return as Married Filing Separately.  Where asked to enter the spouse's Social Security number enter 999-88-9999.  You can only print and mail your tax return, it cannot be e-filed.  When you print the tax return erase the Social Security number for your spouse and manually enter NRA for non-resident alien.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for the procedure to print and mail a tax return using the online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1944348-how-do-i-print-and-mail-my-return-in-turbotax-online

Your spouse would only need to report their income if you were filing your tax return as Married Filing Jointly, applying for an ITIN with the tax return and you would be providing a statement with your tax return that you want your Nonresident Alien Spouse Treated as a Resident.  See IRS Publication 54 Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad pages 6 and 7 - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p54.pdf

Go to this IRS website for ITIN information - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/general-itin-information

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 6:20:11 PM

Thank you for the quick response. How to apply for ITIN if the Spouse is a Non Resident Alien & don't have the US visa? Is that possible?

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 6:20:12 PM

See the IRS Form W-7 instructions for what is required documentation - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf</a>