[trevett21]

Hi,
My wife's parent's never gave her a SSN#. She is a U.S. citizen, has a valid U.S. Passport, and a drivers license. Some of these she had to write to her congressman to get them. Her parents wanted her to have the choice of getting a SSN#on her own.
We just got married last May. I trying to do my taxes and I'm not sure what I should do.

Q#1
After doing some research I think in this case it would be wise to file MFS instead of jointly is this correct?

Q#2
I saw on another post about a similar question (the wife was not from the U.S) Alanta Tax Expert told the individual to file separately and put NRA on the line that asks for her SSN#. What does NRA stand for and is that what I would need to put as well? Thanks for any input!

[jaybirdjones]

If she does not have any income, it is generally better to file joint. She should apply for a social security number. Also, most us citizens get ssn when born so parents may claim dependency exemption on parents tax return. Go to SSA website to find out how she can find out if she has a number or how to apply if not. I suggest automatic extension of time be filed to delay filing date to October 2009

[jaybirdjones]

NRA means "Non Resident Alien", so writing this was be making a false statement on the tax return.

Married filing separate requires reporting of spouse's name and ssn so IRS may determine compliance with special rules for that status.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Agreed. She needs to first check with the Social Security Administration to make sure that a SSN has not already been issued, then apply for one if she in fact does not have a SSN.

The application process takes maybe four weeks, so you have plenty of time to file before 15 April 2009.