How to apply for ITIN for my foreign spouse after filing taxes as single?

17 You still have options for getting your spouse's ITIN even after filing as single. While it's true that filing a joint return is the most common way to apply for an ITIN for a spouse, it's not the only way. You can still apply for an ITIN for your spouse using Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Since you've already filed your return as single, you'll need to establish a tax purpose for the ITIN application. You can do this by indicating that your spouse may need to file a tax return in the future or will be claimed as a dependent on a future return once their visa process is complete. You should gather the required documentation: original passport or certified copies from the issuing agency (or certain combinations of other documents). These will need to be submitted with the W-7 form. You can either mail these documents to the IRS (they will return original documents) or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or authorized Acceptance Agent who can verify documents so you don't have to mail originals.

12 I went through something similar with my husband from Brazil. After struggling with ITIN paperwork and trying to figure out all the requirements, I found this online service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that was super helpful for my situation. They have a document review feature that scans all your ITIN application materials before you submit them. I was making some mistakes with the W-7 form that would have caused delays. Their system flagged some issues with my supporting documentation that I wouldn't have caught otherwise. They also have specialists who understand the unique situations of mixed-status marriages and can answer specific questions about your case.

3 Update on my ITIN journey - I finally decided to try taxr.ai after posting here, and I'm honestly glad I did. I was really skeptical at first (as you could probably tell from my question), but they actually helped me figure out that I was filling out the wrong exemption code on the W-7 form. The document review pointed out that the letter I drafted to explain my situation wasn't specific enough about why I needed an ITIN outside of tax filing season. They gave me a template to follow that addressed all the requirements. My application is now submitted correctly and I've already received confirmation that it's being processed. Definitely saved me from what would have been a rejection and weeks of delays!

10 If you're struggling to get answers about your ITIN application status after submitting, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent WEEKS trying to reach the IRS about my husband's ITIN application that seemed to be stuck in limbo. With regular calling, I literally could not get through - either got disconnected or was told the wait time was too long. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS representative in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent I spoke with was able to look up our application status and explain exactly what was happening (turned out they needed additional documentation but the letter had been sent to our old address).

14 Just wanted to follow up on this thread. I was super skeptical about Claimyr (as you can see from my previous comment), but after another week of failing to reach the IRS about my ITIN issues, I gave it a shot out of desperation. I'm honestly shocked it worked. Got through to an actual IRS person in about 30 minutes instead of the LITERAL DAYS I had spent trying to call them directly. Turns out there was a processing issue with my wife's ITIN application because her name on her passport didn't match exactly how I had written it on the W-7 form (I used her middle name but her passport only had first and last). The IRS agent was able to update the record while I was on the phone. If I hadn't gotten through, we probably would've just received a rejection letter weeks later and had to start all over.

5 Has anyone tried applying for an ITIN through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) instead of mailing documents directly to the IRS? I've heard this might be faster and you don't have to send your original documents to the IRS. I'm in the same situation as OP and trying to figure out the best approach.

16 Just wanted to add something important that nobody mentioned yet - be careful with amending your return from single to married filing jointly after getting the ITIN. If your spouse is a nonresident alien, they generally can't file jointly with you UNLESS you make a special election to treat them as a resident alien for tax purposes. This election has pros and cons - it might lower your tax bill, but it means your spouse's WORLDWIDE income becomes taxable in the US. So if they have income in their home country, you'd need to report that too. Form 8840 is used for this election. Just something to consider before you rush to amend!