I've done a ton of research but obviously everyone's situation is slightly different. So, let me summarize and see if I'm right or not. My wife came over to America April 2022 on a K1 visa. We got married and then applied for I-765/I-485. Neither got approved yet. She's been living in America since. I see people saying we have 2 options.
1. Married filing jointly with a W-7 application.
2. Married filing single and then amend after she gets her papers to MFJ.
To me, option 1 will get you the better return quicker, if you need the money. It requires more effort though because you'll need to go to the IRS for someone to send your documents (passport).
Option 2 is easier because less paperwork now and filing an amendment will be far easier once you get a SSN. However, you'd lose an exemption so owe more in taxes now.
However, when I look up option 1, the W-7 application says "If you have an application for an SSN pending, don’t file Form W-7. Complete Form W-7 only if the SSA notifies you that you’re ineligible for an SSN." Doesn't that mean anyone currently in AOS can't apply with a W-7? I checked the box to get a SSN when filling out the forms.
If I choose option 2, are there any services that allow me to efile without a SSN/ITIN?
