I married last (2022) year using a K-1 visa. I'm US citizen. My wife and his son are still in the process of Adjustment of Status and waiting for a social security number. On forms I-765 and I-485, we checked "YES" in the following question:
"Do you want the SSA to issue you a Social Security card?"
For 2022 taxes, do I file jointly, separately, as head of the household, etc?
What is the best route to go?
I understand that ideally I should file "Married filing jointly".
But how can I do that without SSN?
I have read some postings talking about the ITIN and form W-7.
However, the form W7 is pretty clear about the ineligibility:
"Don’t submit this form if you have, or are eligible to get, a U.S. social security number (SSN)."
Please refer to this topic for further details about the option to get ITIN while waiting for SSN:
On the other hand, I read about the option to file as "Head of the household" but this is not really my situation because we are married since June 2022. I understand that I will have better deductions with "Married filing jointly".
So, what are my options here? Is Turbotax considering this situation?
Will the software allow me to continue without populating the SSN/ITIN?
Is requesting an extension the only way to proceed?
You WAIT for the SS# to be issued PERIOD. Go on extension if needed but you cannot file a return without a SS# or an ITIN.