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rishi1 · Feb 7, 2009, 07:30 AM

Hi all,

I married last year. But my wife is not in USA. So I have not applied for her ITIN.
So I am filing - Married filing separately.

But when I efile using turbotax online, they keep asking me for her SSN.

I even did not ask for any exemptions for dependents. So this blocking me fro efiling online.

What Should I put in SSN box ?

Urgent help is needed

twinkiedooter · Feb 7, 2009, 12:37 PM

I believe TurboTax does have a help desk on the site. You need to pose the question to them or else file Single.

AtlantaTaxExpert · Feb 12, 2009, 02:14 PM

Rishi:

You CAN file SINGLE if you have been separated from your wife for the entire year.

If you insist on filing separately, you put your wife's name on the return and the letters NRA where her SSN goes.

You CANNOT file this way on-line; the tax return MUST be mailed, but it WILL be accepted, PLUS you CAN claim her personal exemption as well.

However, if you are willing to do the mailing and follow the process, you CAN submit the W-7 for an ITIN for her and file JOINTLY with her. Her physical location is irrelevent; she could be on Mars for all the IRS cares. This will allow you to claim the $10,900 joint standard deduction plus two $3,500 personal exemption (for yourself and your wife), PLUS allows yo to be taxed at the MOST Favorable Married Filing Jointly tax rate..