Am married, filing separately (US federal taxes).

On form 1040, line 3 asks for the name of my spouse. Line 3 also directs me to supply my spouse's social security number. My spouse does not have a SS#. She is not a US citizen, does not live in the US now, and has never lived in the US.

Any thoughts on how to fill the 1040 out?

thanks, Todd's keyboard

There are some alien resident, and non-resident stuff you need to look in to I imagine.

Why are you married?

Are you not living in the US either?

Not enough info . . .

Details . . . we need details . . . Otherwise the IRS can't find you . . .

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Bill
Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Carpe Vino!

Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.
— David Rains Wallace

I'd just write "non-resident alien" in the space. You're filing separately, so I can't imagine they'd care.

Call them...

Does she have earned income from the US? If so, I'd guess that she needs a SS#. As others have said, call.

Am trying to call. It takes surprisingly little time to talk to a live person, who listens, transfers me to the appropriate section, where a recording says there are too many calls, and hangs up.

Will try calling again today.

I live in the US. She lives in Canada. I'm applying for residency in Canada. Waiting for a response on the application.

She has no US earned income.

thanks, Todd's keyboard

Call and keep a record of:
1. Date of call
2. Time of call
3. Full name of IRS agent
4. IRS badge number
5. Specific question asked
6. Answer provided by the IRS

The tax code is so complicated the IRS often provides the wrong answers. If they provide the wrong answer, it is the taxpayer's "fault" and they are liable for all penalties unless they can provide all six items listed above.

She needs an ITIN:

[www.irs.gov]

Got through to an IRS agent on the phone.

Yes, my spouse needs an ITIN. This will require the services of a US notary public. Since my wife does not live in the US, this will take a small bit planning on our part.

I need to file for an extension.

thanks, Todd's (delayed) keyboard

Did you know you were married a few weeks ago?

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Yep, knew I was married.

Hadn't thought it through that the US government would require a tax number for a non-citizen, non-resident, non-US-income-earner.

I've been told that my name is listed on my wife's passport. Not aware of any mariatl designation on a US passport.

thanks, Todd's extended keyboard