Non resident alien spouse and no SSN

[tonicm2]

I am married but filing HOH with 2 dependent children as non resident alien spouse has no income. She does not have SSN

 Why can't I transmit and e- file

[pk]

@tonicm2 ,  just because your spouse is a NRA, does not mean you cannot file as MFJ ---  but it will mean  you have to file  by mail.  This is because you have to  (a)  apply for a tax ID for her -- ITIN and  (b)  request that you both want her to be treated as a resident for tax purposes.   Whether you file as HOH  ( implying that you have not lived with your spouse for the last six month of the tax year ) and maintain a home for qualified  dependents  OR MFS , as long as you are married you still have to provide details of your spouse  ( name , address, NRA in place of Tax ID ).  This means you have to file by mail.

  Assuming that you are a US person ( citizen/Green Card / Resident for Tax purposes ),   the best option is generally MFJ.

If she is NRA, which country is she from,?   Which visa is she on ?  Are your dependents  US persons ( i.e. with Tax ID -- SSN / ITIN)?

Is there more I can do for you ?

[tonicm2]

Thanks