Wife (non-resident alien) is pending for EAD/SSN. How can I file a joint return

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
January 22, 2021
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My wife (NRA) and I (US Citizen) recently married last year and have filed for her Green Card plus EAD which would give her a SSN. We submitted our application several months ago but because of COVID, there is a huge backlog in USCIS so there is no knowing when she would even be granted the EAD/SSN. Because she is pending for an SSN she can't file for an ITIN. What's the best route here? Can I file an extension and hope she is approved by Oct? Any of advice is welcomed.

Best answer by linaj20201

Yes, the best approach will be filing an extension hoping she will be approved by October. Or you can file Married Filing Separately then amend to Married Filing Jointly later. You won't be able to e-file without your spouse's identification number, you would have to print out your tax forms and paper-file.

The IRS is fairly aware of the delays issuing SSN by the Social Security Administration. Click link here: Delays in SSN

L

linaj20201Answer

Yes, the best approach will be filing an extension hoping she will be approved by October. Or you can file Married Filing Separately then amend to Married Filing Jointly later. You won't be able to e-file without your spouse's identification number, you would have to print out your tax forms and paper-file.

The IRS is fairly aware of the delays issuing SSN by the Social Security Administration. Click link here: Delays in SSN