Tax extension to get SSN

[remotercharm 31]

I would get a pretty good tax break if I can file jointly with my spouse.  Unfortunately he doesn't have a SSN number yet and the ITIN route seems too complicated.  We're waiting on the EAD.  I'm thinking to just file a 6 month extension, and then once he (hopefully) gets his SSN this summer, I can use that to file jointly.  Is there any issue in filing for 2020 taxes with a SSN issues in 2021?   Or is it better to get ITIN? He arrived here in August and we applied for AOS and EAD in November. Thanks.

Edited January 22, 2021 by remotercharm

[davidvs 354]

ITIN route is not complicated at all. It is a 5 minute form to fill out.

[remotercharm 31]

8 minutes ago, davidvs said:

ITIN route is not complicated at all. It is a 5 minute form to fill out.

I think the thing that scares me is not being able to submit my taxes online using turbo tax software and having to do some things manually.  I suppose if I could fill out the AOS application to USCIS I can handle filing my taxes in the mail.  But sounds like it would really complicate state returns and we'd have to file separately there losing out on the state refund.

 

Also I'm not sure he's eligible looking at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number.  Technically he's not required to file a federal tax return, but choosing to.  Would we still qualify?

Edited January 22, 2021 by remotercharm

[davidvs 354]

You could always use turbotax to calculate the returns, print them and hand write them... just don't submit through TT.

 

 

 

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

14 minutes ago, remotercharm said:

Technically he's not required to file a federal tax return, but choosing to.  Would we still qualify?

Did he request a SSN on the I-765?  He may or may not be eligible for an ITIN.

Edited January 22, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[remotercharm 31]

9 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Did he request a SSN on the I-765?  He may or may not be eligible for an ITIN.

Yes, does that mean he isn't eligible? 

Edited January 22, 2021 by remotercharm

[Ayrton 965]

4 hours ago, remotercharm said:

Yes, does that mean he isn't eligible? 

No. Until EAD/GC is approved, he can still request a ITIN.

[remotercharm 31]

I think the problem presents itself when trying to file the state tax, which in my state has to match the federal in terms of filing status, but there isn't an option for applying for the ITIN, so I would need to file separately for state tax, but couldn't. Which is why it seems just waiting for the SSN would make it much easier.

[Wuozopo 4,293]

23 hours ago, remotercharm said:

I think the thing that scares me is not being able to submit my taxes online using turbo tax software and having to do some things manually.  I suppose if I could fill out the AOS application to USCIS I can handle filing my taxes in the mail.  But sounds like it would really complicate state returns and we'd have to file separately there losing out on the state refund.

 

Also I'm not sure he's eligible looking at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number.  Technically he's not required to file a federal tax return, but choosing to.  Would we still qualify?

 We use the desktop version and this works well. Can’t speak for trying to do it on your phone or something.

1.  Do your TurboTax leaving the SSN ITIN spot blank. correct all instances for things they bring up to fix except the missing SSN. You are not doing taxes manually.
2. Go to the print fiction and print return for filing. 
3. If/when a taxpayer assistance center opens, take spouse with passport ID to present for certification, your signed return you printed and an ITIN application filled out. They will certify her ID and send everything for you to Austin where the ITIN is assigned and added to the return, then the return is processed.

Filing doesn’t even open until mid February this year so don’t get in a rush.