Is ITIN required before Filing Due Date ?

[guddupradhan88]

I want to file Federal and State tax returns for 2017 as "married filing jointly" with my non-resident spouse. If I start the filing process and get the Federal Tax Return copy, I can visit IRS office along with W7 to apply ITIN for my spouse.....but getting appointment date from IRS past tax filing due date.....am I still eligible to file tax returns for 2017 as "married file jointly"? What are my good options?

Tax consultancies say that I can go ahead with Federal tax return copy and they would start State Filing once I have the ITIN for my spouse.

[Opus 17 · Accepted solution]

You can file your federal return by mailing your tax return, form W-7, and all required proofs, to the address for the W-7 form.  The IRS will process the application, issue the ITIN, then process the federal tax return.  You will then file your state return by mail when you get the ITIN.  You may need to apply for an extension for your state return.  

[Opus 17]

In turbotax use a fake ITIN like 999-88-9999 to get through the program then blank it out with white out on the printed return before you mail it.  Change to the correct ITIN before printing and mailing the state return.

[guddupradhan88]

to the answer above, when shall I apply for extension for my state return and what’s the form number ? Shall I apply before filing due date ‘Apr 17 2018’ or along with filing state return when I have the ITIN ?

[Opus 17]

You would apply for the state extension any time before the April 17 deadline.  Turbotax will turn on their extension software in a few days, we think, or check your state's tax dept web site.