Filing status

[Chukwuemeka]

Hi. I am married with kids but my wife lives abroad with our other kids. Therefore, she doesn't have any SSN, while I live here in the States with one of my kids.

And so, I initially filed my tax as Married But Filing Separately. Then the next time, I was adviced to file as Head of household. 

Now, this year, I'm about to file my taxes but I'm confused because the system would not progress further as it's asking for my spouse's SSN which I don't have. 

It was then suggested to me to file as a Single person but I don't know if that could cause a problem for me with the IRS since I had already filed as Married but Filing Separately before. 

So please, what's your suggestion?

[DanP0428]

Until your wife obtains a US social security number, you file as MFS

[DawnC]

If your spouse is a nonresident alien, you have three options when you file your taxes. Select an option below to see which is best for you.

Married Filing Jointly with a nonresident alien spouse

Married Filing Separately with a nonresident alien spouse

Filing as Head of Household