Do I need to file tax return with my spouse who is still pending for approval?

[cybermax 39]

I'm a permanent resident and petitioning for my wife to come to the US next year (She might be here in November 2017).

I went to my country and got married with her in May 2016.

Besides changing my marital status from Single to Married, do I need to put her name in my tax 2017 when I file it? Also, because she is not approved to come here yet, what information (SSN, green card number...) should I file for her?

Thank you.

[Ervie and Rob 34]

My husband didn't put my name but filed as Married jointly ang put NRA (Non Resident Alien) in the SSN part as instructed in the IRS website.

[cyclone27 710]

Once she arrives and has her SSN worth looking into refilling an amended return if it benefits your situation.

[MariaR323 199]

If you want to file MFJ and receive the benefit of it, you would need to apply for an ITIN for her at the time you file the tax year 2016 return. If not and you only put NRA, the IRS will process the return without giving you the benefit of the spousal exemption and so forth.

You can also file MFS and then once she arrives and receives her SSN, file an amendment to MFJ. (Based on the projected timeline you gave, I'd probably go this route as it's much easier and less hassle.)

In either case, since you are married, you can only file MFJ or MFS (HOH is also an option if you meet the requirements). You can look up Head of Household on IRS.gov for more info on that filing status as it pertains to a nonresident alien spouse.

Maria

[Jenilyn and Awal 22]

I went to HR block they filed for ITIN numberband did the past three years for me amended. I am getting a big refund so this is worth the time and small expense to file