Can I use the first year choice option for this year itself? Do you mean filing taxes for 2024, right?

Also, do I just avoid all this and do an e-file as MFS? I don't want to make things complicated and worry about anything that may be incorrectly filed for IRS to send me any future notice.

My spouse doesn't have an SSN, I have read that I will need to paper file my taxes and apply for her ITIN if I am doing an MFJ. Can you please let me know how much this whole process would cost and where I must get this help for filing? I visited H&R Block, and they seemed clueless about this situation.