This is the first time I'm filing taxes in US.

Since one yr I'm in CA. Wife is in india. Its an ongoing separation (no legal proceedings started yet)

So she doesn't have a SSN etc..

Which one do I select
Married filing separately (needs ssn)
Married filing jointly (needs ssn)

And I'm neither legally separated.

Read something about ITIN but I think I will need her signature (she's not willing to sign)

Any suggestions?

Thx for your time

You can file as Married Filing Separate, and since your wife does not have nor need an SSN or ITIN, you leave that portion blank on the form. This is from IRS Pub 501:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf

If you file as married filing separately, you can use Form 1040A or Form 1040. Select this filing status by checking the box on line 3 of either form. You also must enter your spouse’s full name in the space provided and must enter your spouse’s SSN or ITIN in the space provided unless your spouse does not have and is not required to have an SSN or ITIN.

I have purchased turbo tax software, will that give me an option or do I have to download the forms separately.

Thanks a lot for the prompt reply. Truly appreciate it


Also my mother was with me for the entire year (she was on a visit visa for 6months and later an extension,no ssn etc.. And now is back in india)
Can I show her as a dependent ?)