how to file taxes?

[mary and riad 4]

I'm getting ready to file 2015 taxes, I think I should file as "married filing separately" but it asks for social security of my husband who is a non-resident alien. I'm not sure what to do? Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thank you

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Tax & Finances During US Immigration forum.

[POA 178]

I'm getting ready to file 2015 taxes, I think I should file as "married filing separately" but it asks for social security of my husband who is a non-resident alien. I'm not sure what to do? Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thank you

My husband had to file taxes manually(mail) so he could write down NRA in place of the SSN since Turbo tax didn't let him put NRA (non-resident alient).

[mary and riad 4]

Thank you for your reply. Is it as simple as that? The more I read about it, the more confusing it became. It was looking like he would have to apply for a tin tax ID number, which would be difficult because he's not here.

[POA 178]

Thank you for your reply. Is it as simple as that? The more I read about it, the more confusing it became. It was looking like he would have to apply for a tin tax ID number, which would be difficult because he's not here.

I am not sure about the TIN but that's what my husband did. Filled the form up manually instead of the free electronic filing.

[mary and riad 4]

That sounds easy enough. I was using turbo tax and that's why. I was just afraid putting nra on a paper return would just delay it and make it get returned. I need the taxes processed as soon as possible so I can use it for the affavait of support.

Edited December 26, 2015 by mary and riad

[POA 178]

That sounds easy enough. I was using turbo tax and that's why. I was just afraid putting nra on a paper return would just delay it and make it get returned. I need the taxes processed as soon as possible so I can use it for the affavait of support.

Yeah it does sound really easy. Mind you though, when my husband did that, on his returns for that year shows "Single". Instead of married filed separately. I am obviously not tax expert, he might have done something wrong, idk, but he said that was what he was advised when he visited a tax office, to just put NRA and mail it.

[tsabbas 47]

We did married filing jointly choosing to treat my husband as a resident alien for tax filing purposes. For that, you send in the ITIN application with the tax return. Tax returns aren't being accepted until January 19th either way (paper or efile) but if you mailed it in right away, they may have the ITIN assigned prior to the 19th and then be able to process your return right away.

If you have to file separately, then the above post is more helpful.

[mary and riad 4]

I did hear that from someone else. I just didn't think they would accept it like that. Wonder if anyone else here has a similar situation? I imagine we're all in the same boat with tax season just ahead of us. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

[mary and riad 4]

We can do it jointly but I thought doing it separately wouldn't require the tax number. He's not here so it would take time for him to sign the tin form and send it to me so i can send it with my taxes.

[mary and riad 4]

My husband has no income to tax so it's best for me to file married jointly. But my question is about the ss# or tin# is it OK just to file jointly and write NRA and send it through the mail?

[mary and riad 4]

This is what turbo tax says:

Since your spouse is a non-resident alien and you file a joint or separate return, your spouse must have either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). To get an SSN for your spouse, apply at a social security office or US consulate. You must complete Form SS-5. You must also provide original or certified copies of documents to verify your spouse's age, identity, and citizenship. If your spouse is not eligible to get an SSN, he or she can file Form W-7 with the IRS to apply for an ITIN. Refer to Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) for more information.

If you are legally married and required to file jointly or as married filing separately, you will need to download the program onto your home computer to be able to print and mail in your return. The online program will not process a return without a valid SSN entry for your spouse.

The desktop program will allow you to print your return with the SSN field left blank. You must still hand-write NRA for (non-resident alien) in all of the places on the return that require your spouse's SSN before mailing in your return.

Since TurboTax allows only a numeric entry in the SSN field.

You may can try the workaround, try to input a dummy number, to enable TurboTax to print out your return. Then you would need towhite out the number that you entered and write NRA by hand.

You will still need to mail your return in as a return without a SSN or ITIN can not be e-filed.

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

simple way is to file joint and file a W 9 for ITIN (individual taxpayer ID number)

only time you can do this is at time you file your taxes

form online

[mary and riad 4]

The application requires his signature and a certified copy of his passport which will.take time since he lives in Algeria. If I can just write NRA in place of ss# or itin # then that's the quickest and easiest option for me. I just want to make sure that is the correct way to do it so it doesn't get returned to me

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

Tax software seems to not be able to handle this situation, but luckily the IRS does. If you send in the form as married filing jointly manually, with NRA in the SSN box, as you're contemplating, then they'll send you back your refund as if you're "Married filing separately". Then you have to file an amended form once your spouse has immigrated and received the SSN. Then they'll send back an extra amount of refund based on Married filing jointly. Kind of a hassle but it sorta works.

We attempted to apply for ITIN and were rejected because we were already married and they require an SSN. At least that's what they told us.

Again, tax software sucks for this.