Does my UK citizen husband need a SSN for me to file my US taxes? I live and work in the UK and have no plans to return to the USA.

[JamesG1]

If you want to file a joint IRS 1040 return with your spouse, your spouse will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) which is requested on IRS form W-7.

The form instructions can be found here.

[kiconnors808]

And if we’re filing separately? We were recently married in the UK so this is my first time filing as married. He hasn’t stepped foot in the US in the last year and has never worked there. I can’t seem to submit without him having a SSN but am unsure why he needs one if I’m filing separately, he is not a citizen and I’m living abroad. If you’re able to clarify I’d really appreciate it!

[LeonardS]

When you file as married filing separately you have to provide the SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN for your spouse on your tax return.

If you spouse does not have an SSN or an ITIN, you'll need to apply for one or the other before you can file your return. If they qualify to get an SSN applying for one is easy. Go to Social Security Online, the administration's website, and search for Form SS-5. This form is the paperwork you need to fill out for a Social Security number.

If they don't qualify for an SSN then you'll need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer ID number (ITIN). The IRS issues ITINs to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements but don’t qualify for a SSN.You can apply for an ITIN at the IRS website by downloading Form W-7.

You can file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number  with your federal income tax return.

You will mail your W-7, tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to:

Internal Revenue Service

Austin Service Center

ITIN Operation

P.O. Box 149342

Austin, TX 78714-9342

Ref: IRS,  How do I apply for an ITIN?

[eva37]

Hello @LeonardS 

I am in the same situation. I was married last year (2022) to an Irish man. We live abroad and have no intention of living in the US. He has never lived or worked in the US, so he does not pay taxes in the US.  He does not have a SSN or ITIN number, and he has no intention of getting one since we don't live or work in the US.

@kiconnors808 How did you end up filing your taxes?  I don't seem to be able to file without some sort of number for him, but this doesn't make sense given our situation. 

Any help would be much appreciated!

[DoninGA]

@eva37 

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

[eva37]

@DoninGA  Thank you for your quick reply. Yes, I am a US citizen living outside of the US (with my foreign husband) . You've answered my question. Thank you so much for your help!