Is there a way to e-file using TurboTax if my spouse doesn't have a SSN?

[Josefh]

Hello, Is there a way to e-file using TurboTax if my spouse doesn't have a SSN? My spouse is NOT a US person, NOT a US resident, NOT a US green card holder and NOT a US citizen. TurboTax keeps asking me for my spouse's SSN. I am going to file "married filing separately". Thank you so much in advance!

[JamesG1]

Your spouse should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before you can file a tax return.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN is for taxpayers who do not qualify for a Social Security number. It is 9 digits long and looks like a Social Security number, except it always begins with the number 9.

ITINs are used exclusively for filing tax returns. They do not entitle the taxpayer to Social Security benefits, stimulus payments, or other benefits.

To apply for an ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual.

A tax return accompanied by one or more W-7 forms cannot be submitted electronically. You can submit it in person at any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center that performs in-person document reviews; most major cities have such assistance centers, and there is at least one center in every state.

You can also submit tax returns with W-7 forms by mail to:

Internal Revenue Service

ITIN Operation

P.O. Box 149342

Austin, TX 78714-9342

According to the IRS, it takes 6 to 10 weeks to obtain an ITIN. An ITIN will expire at the end of the current year if it is not used on a federal tax return in the last 3 years.

See also here.

[Josefh]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate it !

[KrisD15]

You might not need to go through the trouble of applying for an ITIN.

If you and your non-resident alien spouse are not and never have elected to file a joint return (if you do or did, your spouse would be treated as a resident for tax filing purposes and you would claim your world-wide income on a joint return), and if only you are filing a Form 1040 Federal Tax Return, and you are filing Married Filing Separately, TurboTax has been updated and USUALLY will allow you to file without an ITIN for your spouse. 

Be sure to make the selections in the "Personal Info" section. 

"Spouse is a nonresident alien or dual-status alien spouse"

and 

"Would you like to treat your spouse as a U.S. resident for the entire tax year?" NO

TurboTax may not like it and show an error, but usually you can by-pass the error and e-file your return. 

HERE is a TurboTax link with more information

@Josefh 

[Josefh]

Thank you so very much for your advice!