temporary tax number?

Question

My wife is a foreign national. How do I get a temporary tax identification number for her so I can claim her on my tax return. She is a house wife who does not work. Thank you.

Answer 1

See ITIN on this page...you can download the application there too.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96696,00.html

Answer 2

If your wife is a non-resident alien and you and your wife jointly agree to have all of your world-wide income taxed by the US you must file a joint statement signed by both of you to that affect with your tax return. If she doesn't have a SSN or TIN, you can attach a Form W7 with the required proof of identity to your joint return. The IRS will then process the W7 first, add her ITIN to the return, and then process the return. You must file a paper return in this case.

If your wife is a non-resident alien and refuses to have her world-wide income taxed by the US (possible if she'd fairly wealthy) then you will have to file Married, Filing Separate and pay taxes at the higher rate. You will not be able to claim an exclusion for your wife in this case.

If your wife is a resident alien without a green card or work permit, you only need to apply for a TIN with Form W7, either in advance of filing your return or with your return.

If your wife has a green card or work permit, she needs to apply for a SSN as she is legally eligible to work even if she does not do so. You won't be able to file your return until she has a SSN.

Answer 3

You need to get her what is called a TIN number(Taxpayer Identification Number). The form is readily available on the IRS website or you can pick one up at your local Social Security office. Mind you at the SSA office all they have is the actual form and they do not process these applications only the IRS can process them. The form number is the W-7.