Obtaining ITIN Number for wife

[SAJA 0]

We got married in Feb. 2012. I am a USC and my wife is still living overseas (waiting for I-130 petition approval). I have read some posts on this form about adding your spouse to your tax returns and how to obtain the ITIN number. My question is, do I need to wait until next year when I file my 2012 tax returns in order to apply for ITIN number for my wife? or can I apply for it now?

[Deb+Steve 13]

We got married in Feb. 2012. I am a USC and my wife is still living overseas (waiting for I-130 petition approval). I have read some posts on this form about adding your spouse to your tax returns and how to obtain the ITIN number. My question is, do I need to wait until next year when I file my 2012 tax returns in order to apply for ITIN number for my wife? or can I apply for it now?

You can do it now. If you wait to file for it with your tax return you'll to paper file. It will take about 8 weeks before you'll see your return.

[Darnell 8,478]

Your basis for getting one (married and filing taxes)

doesn't exist yet, as you were married in 2012.

So, at tax season next year, sure - is possible.

But now? no. The two of you don't qualify, the timing is off.

If you were married in 2011, sure, for Tax Year 2011, to file during tax season 2012 from Jan to April.

Since you are married in 2012 - you must wait for the next tax season.

Sorry.

You can do it now. If you wait to file for it with your tax return you'll to paper file. It will take about 8 weeks before you'll see your return.

Sorry, cannot 'do it now'.

[rade2rising 205]

Your basis for getting one (married and filing taxes)

doesn't exist yet, as you were married in 2012.

So, at tax season next year, sure - is possible.

But now? no. The two of you don't qualify, the timing is off.

If you were married in 2011, sure, for Tax Year 2011, to file during tax season 2012 from Jan to April.

Since you are married in 2012 - you must wait for the next tax season.

Sorry.

Sorry, cannot 'do it now'.

I think he is talking about filing his taxes next year. He wants to be ready and have ITIN number now. So next year he can file as married

[Scott & Ale 3]

Most ITIN requests can only be done at the time of filing your taxes as you are required to send in your 1040 and the W-7 ITIN request forms together (the only main exceptions are if you are in the military or if you need the ITIN due to withholdings being done on investments for an investment account the non-resident has in the US). So unless an expection applies to your situation, you cannot file now to get your ITIN for your 2012 tax return.

Looking at your timeline you may have the SSN in time to file taxes next year already so you may not be able to use it anyway. The IRS is changing the ITIN process for 2013 and sounds like it will include sending in your passport or certified copies from the issuing agency and not just notarized copies of originals.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=258477,00.html

My wife and I had to get an ITIN this year and it didn't add 8 weeks to the process either so not that bad, took 3 weeks till the refund hit the account, not as good as filing on-line but still not that bad. The key is we had to wait for the ITIN in order to file state taxes.

[rade2rising 205]

Most ITIN requests can only be done at the time of filing your taxes as you are required to send in your 1040 and the W-7 ITIN request forms together (the only main exceptions are if you are in the military or if you need the ITIN due to withholdings being done on investments for an investment account the non-resident has in the US). So unless an expection applies to your situation, you cannot file now to get your ITIN for your 2012 tax return.

Looking at your timeline you may have the SSN in time to file taxes next year already so you may not be able to use it anyway. The IRS is changing the ITIN process for 2013 and sounds like it will include sending in your passport or certified copies from the issuing agency and not just notarized copies of originals.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=258477,00.html

My wife and I had to get an ITIN this year and it didn't add 8 weeks to the process either so not that bad, took 3 weeks till the refund hit the account, not as good as filing on-line but still not that bad. The key is we had to wait for the ITIN in order to file state taxes.

thanks for this great explanation of the process