turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

john70610
New Member

I got married on December 26, 2023, to a women who works as a contractor in Qatar and is a Philapeans National. How can I file jointly, do I need A Tax ID Number?

the above is my question.  Thanks.
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

3 Replies

I got married on December 26, 2023, to a women who works as a contractor in Qatar and is a Philapeans National. How can I file jointly, do I need A Tax ID Number?

I'll page @pk

I got married on December 26, 2023, to a women who works as a contractor in Qatar and is a Philapeans National. How can I file jointly, do I need A Tax ID Number?

You have two options.

1. File as married filing separately.  You will need to use a fake SSN for your spouse to get through the interview.  You can't e-file.  Print your return, cover the fake SSN with white-out and write "NRA" over it, and file by mail.

 

2. You can choose to treat your spouse as a US resident and file jointly.  Doing this means that all her world-wide income for the whole year must be reported on the return and taxed by the US.  She can claim a deduction or credit for taxes that she pays on the same income to overseas governments, which will reduce the effects of double-taxation but might not eliminate it completely.  You would have to test it out to see what happens.

 

To file jointly, your wife needs an ITIN, international tax ID number.  The IRS won't process an application for a tax number unless it is attached to a joint tax return.  So what you need to do is prepare a form W-7 application for ITIN, along with your joint tax return, print them both, and mail them to the address in the W-7 instructions.  Be sure to include any required proof of identity for the W-7.  You will likely need your spouse's original signatures as well, so you will either need to bring your tax papers with you next time you visit each other, or use an express service to send them back and forth, and if you can't get the paperwork done by April 15, be sure to request an extension.

 

Once the IRS processes the W-7 and issues the ITIN, they will forward the tax return for processing. 

pk
Level 15
Level 15

I got married on December 26, 2023, to a women who works as a contractor in Qatar and is a Philapeans National. How can I file jointly, do I need A Tax ID Number?

@john70610  while agreeing with the excellent / complete reply by @Opus 17 , just wanted to add that  if  you file joint return ,  it also means that your  spouse  ( in addition to you ) come under the  FBAR and FATCA rules.

If you need more on this , please add to  this thread and one of us will be glad to help you 

 

pk

Unlock tailored help options in your account.

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question