I am a resident alien and my spouse has never lived in the United States. What do I fill in for their social security number in my tax return.

[DanaB]

If your spouse is not able to get a Social Security Number then you will have to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for your spouse. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will have to print and mail your federal tax return with Form W-7. You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status. Please see How do I apply for an ITIN? for details.