Wife is not a US citizen, here is how to file

If your wife doesn't have a Social Security Number (SSN) but you want to file your tax return as Married Filing Jointly, here's how you can proceed: 1. Determine if your wife needs an SSN or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Non-resident Alien Spouse: If your wife is a non-resident alien (not a US citizen or resident) and you want to file jointly, she'll generally need either an SSN or an ITIN. Resident Alien or US Citizen Spouse: If your wife is a resident alien or a US citizen, she'll generally need an SSN.