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Mukatsuku
Level 2
Mar 27, 2020 6:27 AM UTC
Question

ITIN -- not applicable. Why do I need one?

Hi, folks.  New to this forum.

I am an American living in Japan.  I tried to file my US taxes, but was rejected because I don't have an ITIN for my wife.

My wife is Japanese, lives and works in Japan, pays taxes in Japan and has no reason to have an ITIN.  Why can I not file using Turbo Tax without an ITIN for her?

 

TIA,

Mukatsuku

    6 replies

    MukatsukuAuthor
    Level 2
    Mar 27, 2020 6:50 AM UTC

    From the first page of the Form W-7 instructions:

     

    What’s New
    ITINs for spouses and dependents who reside outside of
    the United States. Spouses and dependents residing outside
    of the United States shouldn’t apply for, or renew, an individual
    taxpayer identification number (ITIN) unless they qualify for an
    allowable tax benefit.

    Alumni - Champ
    ee-eaAlumni - Champ
    Alumni - Champ
    Mar 27, 2020 7:05 AM UTC

    You can file Married Filing Separately See this FAQ  https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separately/00/25590

     

    Info on the ITIN is here 

    https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/who-needs-an-itin-or-individual-tax-identification-number/L3ElmpDCN

      Alumni - Champ
      ee-eaAlumni - Champ
      Alumni - Champ
      Mar 27, 2020 7:17 AM UTC

      Allowable tax benefit.

       

      1. Married filing joint tax rate
      2. Foreign  earned income exclusion
      3. Foreign tax credit
        MukatsukuAuthor
        Level 2
        Mar 27, 2020 1:28 PM UTC

        Thanks, Champ!

         

        Unfortunately, no new information there.

        I'm hoping that someone can give some new info. Preferably someone from INTUIT...

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