Filing federal extension: My wife doesn't have a SSN yet (she will be given one later this year). The form doesn't let me continue without her SSN.

[GeoffreyG]

If your spouse does not have a Social Security Number, then the answer to your question is that you probably won't be able to file an easy extension request electronically (through TurboTax or otherwise); but you can certainly do it the old-fashioned way, on paper.  Here's how:

Go to the following IRS.gov website to obtain Form 4868 (a.k.a. Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return):

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf

Once you have that Adobe Acrobat document, print out just Page 1.  You can fill out the form itself by hand, and then mail it.  In the space that requests your spouse's Social Security Number, simply print the words "ITIN TO BE REQUESTED."  Please see also the instructions for Part I (Identification), as found on Page 3 of the download.

It does not matter if your spouse ultimately intends to apply for a Social Security Number, or an ITIN number instead.  You will use the same wording on the extension request form, regardless of that distinction.

Thank you for asking this important question.

[senthilrameshjv]

Hi,

I am in similar situation, except that I have applied for SSN for my wife more than a month ago but we haven't received it (SSA office said it should come in 4 weeks but we didn't get yet). I was thinking I can apply for ITIN now, but it seems it would take 7 weeks to come also. 

So, should I just apply for extension saying 'ITIN TO BE REQUESTED' and then wait for SSN to arrive and then file after April 18?

[KrisD15]

Filing for an extension is probably the best option, however if you'll owe tax, be sure to pay that tax by April 18th. 

Additionally, you may need to delay your e-filing until the IRS gets the update from the Social Security Administration that the number was issued. 

You can always send in a tax payment before filing your return. Be sure to mark "Tax Year 2021" and your Social Security number on the payment. 

You could also e-file a Married Filing Separate return and later amend that return to Married Filing Jointly. That would cause a delay when filing the amended return. The IRS has a huge backlog of Forms 1040X, so if you can avoid this option, I would advise you to. 

@senthilrameshjv