Recently Married to a Nonresident Alien in 2024 - Filing Status?

[ajm2281]

Hello, 

I recently got married November 2024.  My wife is in the Philippines, a nonresident alien, and she does not qualify for a SSN.  I am using Turbo Tax to do my e-file, I selected Married Filing Separately as my status.  I selected for wife; she will not file 2024 tax return, we never lived together in 2024, and she is a non resident alien.   So far, I feel like everything is done correctly on TurboTax.  However when I go back, the box for non resident alien is always unchecked.

Turbo Tax is asking for SSN for my wife.  Will my e-file get rejected if left blank? 

The process/timing to request a ITIN is long.  Will I be able to amend my tax return as Married Filing Jointly once I receive a ITIN for my wife.

At the end of my federal return, Turbo Tax is asking if my wife will take the standard or itemized deduction, even though its not applicable.

Thank you in advance

[MaryK4]

You will not be able to e-file if your wife does not have a ITIN.  

You can file your tax return with the ITIN application.  See How to apply for an ITIN.  If you send the application with the tax return, you can file Married Joint and then you do not have to amend.  

If it is possible, your wife should go to an acceptance agent in the Philippines to get her documents authenticated,  This is much faster and she does not have to mail them in.

For the satndard or itemized question, just select the way you will file.  If you and your spouse file separate returns and one of you itemizes deductions, the other spouse can’t use the standard deduction and should also itemize deductions.

[ajm2281]

Hello, 

Thank you for your previous help, however I am back again.  I have already previously filed Married filing Separately, which already got approved. Just to make sure I'm prepared before moving forward with amending my return and filing Married filing Jointly.  

I recently got back from the Philippines in July. My wife and I, filled out Form W-7 and she signed the form.

In June of this year, she got a Certified Copy Of Passport.  

I have not amended my 2024 tax return yet but does it sound like I have everything in order...

   - Amend 2024 tax return

   - Form w-7 signed by my wife

    - and certified copy of passport (my wife's)

(Reminder: My wife is a Filipino citizen and has never been to the United States.)

How do I amend my return, when it ask for a SSN / ITIN for my wife?

My wife's employer does not provide pay stubs, annual statement of wages, 1099, and does not have employer identification number.  Also, my wife gets paid in cash. 

How and Where do I report my wife's wages on TurboTax??? Am I correct to put the wage amount under Miscellaneous Income ---> Other Income to Report?

Thank you, Alan