Are There Disadvantages to Be Aware of When Applying for an ITIN for a Non-Citizen Spouse?

Are There Disadvantages To Be Aware of When Applying for an ITIN for a Non-Citizen Spouse?

If you are a U.S. citizen and married to a non-resident or non-citizen spouse, you must file an income tax return with the default status of married filing separately unless you elect to file a joint income tax return. The joint-filing election is made by attaching a declaratory statement to your tax return that is signed by both you and your spouse. The disadvantages of not electing to file a joint income tax return are that you will be taxed at a higher rate and you may not be able to claim all your rightful deductions. To avoid the disadvantages of not filing a joint tax return, your spouse must meet the requirements to apply for ITIN status as your dependent.

If your non-citizen or non-resident spouse did not earn any income during the year you can either file a separate income tax return or file as the head of household. Your spouse can also submit an IRS W-7 form to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) so that you can claim your spouse as a dependent. This is allowed if you provide more than half the expenses for maintenance of your household including expenses on behalf of your spouse, dependents and live-in relatives. To receive all the allowable deductions, your spouse and dependents must have valid ITINs. 

How Long Will It Take for My Spouse To Receive an ITIN? 

After submitting all the required information and providing the proper documents to verify your spouse's identity and foreign status, it could take between six and eight weeks to receive an ITIN in the mail.

To check on your spouse's ITIN filing after submitting the ITIN application:

· In the US, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-829-1040.

·Outside the US, call 1-267-941-1000. 

Avoid the Guesswork

ITIN W-7 Application provides a way to apply for an ITIN so there's no guesswork. Visit our ITIN W-7 instructions for more information about obtaining ITINs for your spouse and dependents. Our support team will assist you and help ensure the ITIN application process goes smoothly.