Yes, you can. As F-visa holders, you are considered as a nonresident from 2012-2016. Starting from January 1, 2017, if you meet Substantial Presence Test SPT, you both will be a resident for tax purposes and can file jointly on a Form 1040.
As IRS does not accept e-filing for tax returns without a SSN or ITIN, for your spouse, you will have to manually apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN on a Form W-7 for her. Please see ITIN.
Although you cannot e-file, you can still use the TurboTax program to prepare your tax return and required forms. Print, attach to the Form W-7 with the required documentation and submit by mail all the paperwork to the IRS Austin location in Texas.
Yes, you can. As F-visa holders, you are considered as a nonresident from 2012-2016. Starting from January 1, 2017, if you meet Substantial Presence Test SPT, you both will be a resident for tax purposes and can file jointly on a Form 1040.
As IRS does not accept e-filing for tax returns without a SSN or ITIN, for your spouse, you will have to manually apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN on a Form W-7 for her. Please see ITIN.
Although you cannot e-file, you can still use the TurboTax program to prepare your tax return and required forms. Print, attach to the Form W-7 with the required documentation and submit by mail all the paperwork to the IRS Austin location in Texas.
However, when I use turbotax, it keep asking me to input the ITIN so I cannot proceed to finish my form.
As you enter the information, leave the SSN space blank
print out returns and required forms ( write APPLIED in the SSN space)