Questions about ITIN application

[emixkid 48]

Just a quick background story about my wife and me (U.S citizen): We filed our AOS application (I-485, I-765, I-131) last year in July 2020. I haven’t gotten any notice about my wife’s biometrics appointment yet. 
 

This is the first year I will file under the “married filed jointly” status. I have read through countless forums here and on reddit about how I should proceed. I just wanted to see if I would be taking the correct steps throughout this process. Any advice or clarification is greatly appreciated!

 

I booked an appointment for early March at my local tax assistance center, where I will submit my completed 1040 tax return form and w-7 form (ITIN application for wife). I am doing this because I don’t want her to send in her passport. Now, I have two questions:

 

1. (For those in California) Obviously, my wife won’t have an SSN or ITIN to enter when filing my California state tax return. Should I file for an extension and then submit my state tax return after I receive my ITIN? Or, should I file my California state tax return before the deadline and just put “applied for ITIN” in the appropriate space? 
 

2. I know it takes quite a long time to receive an ITIN and refund nowadays with paper returns. If my wife ends up receiving her SSN while the ITIN application or tax refund is pending, do I have to send an amended return with her SSN? Or, can I just use this SSN when filing for my taxes next year?

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

 

 

Edited February 13, 2021 by emixkid

[Wuozopo 4,293]

10 hours ago, emixkid said:

booked an appointment for early March at my local tax assistance center, where I will submit my completed 1040 tax return form and w-7 form (ITIN application for wife). I am doing this because I don’t want her to send in her passport. Now, I have two questions:

She has to be present in person at the TAC to get her passport certified. You didn’t mention taking her and her passport.

 

10 hours ago, emixkid said:

I know it takes quite a long time to receive an ITIN and refund nowadays with paper returns. If my wife ends up receiving her SSN while the ITIN application or tax refund is pending, do I have to send an amended return with her SSN? Or, can I just use this SSN when filing for my taxes next year?

She won’t get her share of the 2020 stimulus packages with an ITIN (that’s if you as a couple make less than $150k) If you amended with a SSN, she should then qualify. Or you can just wait until 2021 to start using her SSN on the return if you don’t want her $1200 and $600 for 2020.

Edited February 13, 2021 by Wuozopo