I'm a F1 student (5+ years) married abroad. My spouse has no status in the US. Do I file my taxes as "single" or "married" status?

[rozkran]

I know that I am a "resident alien" for tax purposes but as of last July, I am married. I was married in Canada and my spouse is a Canadian resident and has no status in the US. Should I file my taxes as "single" or "married" (joint or separate)?

[rozkran]

P.S. I am preparing my taxes as "married filling separately"... Turbotax is listing my spouse's State of residency the same as mine. He has never lived (does not live) in the States, and I'm not able to change this info. This is in the "Personal Information Worksheet"... I'm not sure how important this error is.

[KarenJ · Accepted solution]

You will need to file as married filing separately.  Since you are married, the IRS allows you only to file married filing jointly or married filing separately.  You cannot file as "single".  

When you prepare your return, the software will ask you for your spouse's SSN even if you are filing separately.  You will need enter  999-88-9999 as her SSN. You can only print and mail your tax return, it cannot be e-filed.  When you print the tax return "white out"  the Social Security number for your spouse and manually enter NRA for nonresident alien in the space where her SSN would be.

[rozkran]

Thank you, KarenJ, for answering my question! I have an additional question (P.S.) added to my original post. I'd appreciate it if you could shed some light on that issue. Thanks again.

[KarenJ]

I don't think it is an issue as it will not affect the tax on your return.