Wife is abroad, no SS can I file Married Separately then Married Jointly later?

[Erev7]

Hello,

I wanted to make sure if I can file Married Filling Separately then Amend later with Married Filling Jointly? My wife is currently nonresident and living abroad and no SS, we got married last year and I didn’t know I had to file form W7 to get her ITIN. I’m thinking if I should go to her place to file out W7 or is it ok to file separately for now?

[KrisD15 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can file Married Filing Separately for tax year 2024.

If you decide you wish to elect to file a joint return, you can make that election on an amended return. (generally within 3 years after the original was filed) 

If you make the election for a prior year return, the returns for the tax years following would also fall under that election. 

[Erev7]

Thank you so much! 🙏