Income Taxes how file married without SS#

[Unggoy 0]

My wife of 4 plus years and we have finally filed Cr1 and its tax time 2020  

My question is I need send this years tax forms and I am not sure how to file as married since no social security # is yet registered since she has not arrived as of this date we are only NOA#1 waiting NOA#2.

In the past 4 years I have filed single in USA.

 

Im looking for advice on how to proceed with changing it to married and filing without the social security # and claiming her on my taxes?

 

thank You 

 

MArk

[Crazy Cat 41,419]

Well, you have some tax return amending to do (last 4 years).  If you are married as of the last day of a tax year, you cannot file as single. You must file "Married, filing a joint return", Married, filing Separately", or "Head of Household".  To file a joint return, she must have a SSN or an ITIN.  You can choose to file as "Married-Filing Separately" by doing the following when the spouse has no SSN or ITIN:

1.  Enter spouse's name in the appropriate box on the 1040.

2.  Hand write "NRA" in the spouse's SSN box.

3.  Mail return to the IRS.....It can not be filed electronically.

 

It is also possible for her to get an Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN).....which would allow you to file a joint return.

 

 

Edited February 10, 2020 by missileman

[DELETEME1234 208]

I'd suggest filing as MFJ by doing it by mail and attaching form W-7 to it to get an ITIN. Reason being is that the standard deductible is higher if filed jointly. Here it's explained, it's very simple.

 

[Crazy Cat 41,419]

2 minutes ago, Poseidon1212 said:

Reason being is that the standard deductible is higher if filed jointly. 

That is correct.....but the spouse's world-wide income would have to be reported (foreign income exclusion might apply).........

Edited February 10, 2020 by missileman

[DELETEME1234 208]

3 minutes ago, missileman said:

That is correct.....but the spouse's world-wide income would have to be reported (foreign income exclusion might apply).........

Ah you edited it already. You're right, but since double taxation is generally a no-no you can indeed claim foreign tax credits.  

 

E.g. in my case the Dutch government was of the opinion that they had a higher claim based on provisions in tax treaties, so I paid the Dutch government taxes and the IRS didn't tax it because I claimed foreign tax credits. However, if at all possible, I'd look into paying income taxes in the US since most (European) countries will have a higher income tax rate, but now we're moving outside the purview of OP's question.

[Crazy Cat 41,419]

Just now, Poseidon1212 said:

Ah you edited it already. You're right, but since double taxation is generally a no-no you can indeed claim foreign tax credits.  

 

E.g. in my case the Dutch government was of the opinion that they had a higher claim based on provisions in tax treaties, so I paid the Dutch government taxes and the IRS didn't tax it because I claimed foreign tax credits. However, if at all possible, I'd look into paying income taxes in the US since most (European) countries will have a higher income tax rate, but now we're moving outside the purview of OP's question.

Agree....I think, generally, married filing jointly is beneficial.......but there are rare exceptions (My case, in particular)........check out some of my posts in the tax forum.......Thanks.

[Crazy Cat 41,419]

***Topic moved to Tax and Finance During US Immigration***

[Wuozopo 4,293]

@Unggoy

 

There’s another thread asking this same question that might help you as well.