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Alchanphel

Married filing jointly with no SSN or ITIN - confused!

By Alchanphel in Tax & Finances During US Immigration

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Alchanphel Contributor

Alchanphel   14

Posted
Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted

Hi all,

 

I moved to the US from the UK in July 2021 on a K-1 visa, got married in August 2021 and filed for AOS in September 2021. No progress since then and I don't have a SSN or ITIN yet - although I did just get my NJ Driving License (card coming in the mail in the next few weeks).

 

It's now time to file taxes for 2021 and I'm hopelessly confused as to what to do for myself and my wife. Married Filing Jointly would appear to be the best choice financially. But is it possible to do this without a SSN/ITIN? Can I apply for a ITIN at the same time as submitting the forms? If not, what would be the best route forward?

 

I'm also nervous about sending my passport off for the ITIN and potentially not getting it back for months and months.

 

Thanks so much in advance!

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Crazy Cat Grand Master

Crazy Cat   41,850

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
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Posted (edited)

1.  You MUST have a SSN or ITIN to file a joint return.

2.  You apply for an ITIN along with your tax forms when you file.  

 

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-i-apply-for-an-itin

Edited by Crazy Cat

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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   45,499

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
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Posted

SSN is normally the first thing you get as a K1

 

Do you now have EAD?

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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Merica-n Explorer

Merica-n   65

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: China
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Posted

As others have said, you can extend and hope they issue the SSN in time.

 

On 3/6/2022 at 2:55 PM, Alchanphel said:

I'm also nervous about sending my passport off for the ITIN and potentially not getting it back for months and months.

If you go to a CAA agent, you can avoid sending your passport in:

 

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/acceptance-agent-program

 

Scroll down to US Acceptance Agents by state and then avoid the ones that are simply acceptance agents (with asterisks) as it's better to go with CAA, but many H&R Block offices and tax preparers in immigrant areas will offer this service.

 

There are DIY'ers on this forum that will say you're wasting money, but I feel it's worth it.

 

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