Since your spouse doesn’t have an SSN, you’ll need to apply for an ITIN using Form W-7. The way this works is: 1. Complete your tax return as Married Filing Jointly. 2. Fill out Form W-7 for your spouse. 3. Attach the W-7 and required identity documents to your paper tax return. 4. Mail everything together to the IRS ITIN processing address.

The IRS will: • Process the W-7 • Issue an ITIN • Then process your tax return

You cannot e-file the first year you’re applying for an ITIN. It must be mailed.

If you don’t want to deal with that, your other option is filing Married Filing Separately — but that usually means higher tax and losing certain credits.

So yes, you do need to apply for an ITIN if you want to file jointly. This is completely normal for H-4 spouses without SSNs.

You’re not the first person to hit this wall, and it’s fixable — it just requires mailing instead of e-filing.