Please tell me how to file TAXES (I-130 pending, spouse abroad)

[PGA 223]

10 hours ago, scaredCat said:

1 - is it possible to e-file(online) MFS?

2 - will it look bad to uscis because it is not joint? (still married but not jointly)

1- yes, i know some of the software makes it difficult or doesn't provide that option; I believe I used taxact with no issues and it filled in the "NRA" automatically.

2- no

[scaredCat 0]

15 hours ago, PGA said:

1- yes, i know some of the software makes it difficult or doesn't provide that option; I believe I used taxact with no issues and it filled in the "NRA" automatically.

2- no

Thank you, if software(taxact) allows me to file, does it mean it is legal to e-file MFS? 

I thought, it was an IRS rule to paper mail when filing married but separately? 

[PGA 223]

8 hours ago, scaredCat said:

Thank you, if software(taxact) allows me to file, does it mean it is legal to e-file MFS? 

Yes, it's legal

8 hours ago, scaredCat said:

I thought, it was an IRS rule to paper mail when filing married but separately? 

I have never heard of that...

 

 

[TiffAndMike 8]

On 2/14/2024 at 8:48 PM, Dan and Akari said:

1. Since you are filing MFS, you need to print the return to write "NRA" in the field for her SSN and also to sign the return.  To my knowledge, you won't be able to file electronically because of this.  I am mailing my return because in the interest of expediency I used TurboTax and I can't e-file because the software will keep flagging the return as incomplete for e-filing because of my wife's missing SSN on the electronic form.

2. It is my understanding based on other recent posts regarding taxes that this will not affect how your case is viewed 

HR BLOCK allows you to e-file without your spouses ssn

[jmalelkamel 3]

On 2/18/2024 at 6:30 PM, TiffAndMike said:

HR BLOCK allows you to e-file without your spouses ssn

This is what I used to file my taxes too. TaxSlayer and TurboTax would not allow me to bypass the SSN and e-file. Had 0 issues with H&R Block  

[scaredCat 0]

On 2/20/2024 at 5:25 PM, jmalelkamel said:

This is what I used to file my taxes too. TaxSlayer and TurboTax would not allow me to bypass the SSN and e-file. Had 0 issues with H&R Block  

 

On 2/18/2024 at 7:30 PM, TiffAndMike said:

HR BLOCK allows you to e-file without your spouses ssn

 

thank you both. did you guys file married filing separately? 

[jmalelkamel 3]

On 2/21/2024 at 9:14 PM, scaredCat said:

 

 

thank you both. did you guys file married filing separately? 

 

Yes, married filing separately. In order to file jointly you need to obtain an ITIN number for your spouse and submit a lot of documentation which can be rather cumbersome. It's better to file MFS now and then once your spouse gets a SSN, you can amend your taxes and file MFJ. That's what we plan to do! 

[scaredCat 0]

On 2/23/2024 at 7:36 PM, jmalelkamel said:

 

Yes, married filing separately. In order to file jointly you need to obtain an ITIN number for your spouse and submit a lot of documentation which can be rather cumbersome. It's better to file MFS now and then once your spouse gets a SSN, you can amend your taxes and file MFJ. That's what we plan to do! 

thank you so much. i thought that mailing it in paper was an official requirement if filing seperately because our spouse is abroad and with no ssn. but this is not true right? it is legally fine to e-file as long as software/company lets us do it?