What to Do Tax-Wise With A Non-Resident Alien Spouse?
For most, it sure is convenient to file separately from your non-resident alien spouse. If you absolutely want to file a joint return for green card application purposes, you will have to complete a form W-7. This form is an application for an ID# that will enable your spouse to be included on your joint personal return. In order to get the application approved, you must:
1. Include a tax return, where the joint filing status is checked and the Spousal ID# box has “applied for” printed in it.
2. You must include a notarized copy of your spouse’s passport from the issuing agency, a country ID card and a driver’s license.
3. The form W-7, the tax return and all of the documents must be mailed in one envelope to:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional Hwy 35
Austin, TX 78741
Once the W-7 is approved, the IRS will send you an ID number in the mail that is to be used on all future returns.
