When your spouse does not have an SSN or ITIN, you do not have to file Married Filing Separately. You can still file Married Filing Jointly , but need to apply for an ITIN for her. If you do not want to go through the hassle through the application process, then you have to file Married Filing Separately. Regardless which situation you choose, you cannot e-file your tax return. IRS does not allow e-filing without a SSN or ITIN on the tax return. You can still use TurboTax program to prepare your tax
forms and submit them by mail.
If you want to file Married Filing Separately,
-In the program, as you enter the
information, leave the SSN space blank
-After you complete entering all the required
information, print out returns and required forms. Enter “NRA” in
the space for Spouse's identifying number. ( NRA stands for
Nonresident Alien) Do not leave the space blank.
-Submit all the forms and required documents
to IRS based on the instructions on your print-out.
If you want to file Married Filing Jointly,
-In the program, as you enter
the information, leave the SSN space blank
-After entering all your
information, print out returns and required forms ( write APPLIED in the SSN
space)
-As TurboTax does not support
the Form W-7, fill out the forms by following
https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/General-ITIN-Information and attach to other required
documentation
-Submit everything including
your tax forms to IRS Austin location in Texas. ( Form W-7 instructions)
