[khan11]

I got married this year in Jan . I have a H1 visa and my wife is on H4 visa. My question is if I have to get the ITIN number for my wife . I Know there is W7 form . But I want to know what documents do I have to attached with that W7 form.

Can I apply now for my wife to get the ITIN # ? Or I have to wait for the next year when I will file my tax return.

If I have to file her ITIN number next year with my tax return . What forms are required .Please tell me detail
Thanks
Khan

[MukatA]

Normally, you will attach W7 for your spouse with your tax return. It you apply now, IRS may want to know why you want ITIN, and the application may be rejected unless you have a strong reason.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

MukatA is correct; you must have a compelling reason to request an ITIN without the tax return, such as needing the ITIN to open a bank account in your wife's name or for your wife to attend school. You will need a letter from the bank or school to attach to the Form W-7.

Additionally, you will need a notarized photocopy of her passport to prove her identity. You can get the photocopy notarized at most any bank (unless you live in California, which prohibits the notarization by state law).

If the local bank is NOT an option, contact the local IRS office. They will certify the passport photocopy and forward the forms to the IRS ITIN Processing Center in Austin, Texas.

[khan11]

Thanks for your answers.Appreciate it. But other question is that when I will be filing the Tax return for the next year with my spouse as dependent and she doesnot have ITIN #.

So at that time do I need to attach my tax return form (which form can you tell exactly ) and W7 form and all the notarized copy to prove her identity .

So that's all I need to attach with Tax return and send it to IRS or do I need to attach some other things as well ?

Thanks again

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

First you get the passport photocopy notarized.

Then download Form W-7 from Internal Revenue Service, fill it out and print it off.

Staple the notarized photocopy to the Form W-7 and have your wife sign the Form W-7.

Complete the tax return (probably Form 1040). Complete the statement for your wife declaring that she is a non-resident spouse of a resident alien and that she chooses to be treated as a resident alien, and have her sign the statement. Staple the statement, and your W-2 to the Form 1040.

BOTH you and your wife must sign the Form 1040.

Paper clip the W-7 packet to the Form 1040 packet, and mail both to the ITIN Processing Center in Austin, Texas. The complete address is in the W-7 instructions.

[khan11]

Thanks a lot! Appreicate it for such a detailed answer. This is what I was looking for.
Thanks again.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Glad to help!