Joint filing means Joint refund means Joint acct?

[NotSoFair]

Why should life be so difficult...

You probably already know my spouse is a non-resident alien and this year we are planning to file MFJ. Since this is the first time he is added to a tax return, we have to file paper returns in order to apply for his ITIN. We are expecting a nice chunk of refund. Now, I am not sure if we can get the refund auto deposited. Assuming that is not possible, and the refund check being in both our names, how do we get it cashed when we don't have a joint account? We cannot have a joint account because he is not in the country and has never been here. Does this rule out the possibility of filing MFJ this year? Or is there a way out? Please help.

[taxref]

I am not well versed in NRA issues, but there shouldn't be any problem getting your joint refund deposited into your bank account.

Paper MFJ filers can elect to have their refunds direct deposited into one or more separate bank accounts. This is common among separated but not yet divorced couples who do not trust each other. Those taxpayers do not have joint bank accounts, and they receive their refunds without any issues.

[mwcpa]

I concur ref...... often I have clients deposit "refunds" into one account that may or may not have both names on them.... since both must sign a joint return the other spouse is acknowledging such.... now, paper check refund, that could be a problem....

[NotSoFair]

Thank you taxref and mwcpa.

So, there is still hope. We can file jointly (paper filing, both must sign, correct?) and have the refund auto deposited into my account instead of requesting a paper check. Did I understand it correct?

[mwcpa]

yes, you both must sign the joint tax return....
yes, a refund can be allocated to your separate account, but be aware....

"If any of the following apply, your direct deposit request will be rejected and a check will be sent instead....Your financial institution(s) will not allow a joint refund to be deposited to an individual account. The IRS is not responsible if a financial institution rejects a direct deposit."

so, as long as your bank will accept it, IRS will direct the money to where you want it.

[NotSoFair]

Thank you very much, I will check with my bank.

My only other option will be to file HoH for now and amend later when he is here, I suppose.

[swamp]

Get a power of attorney from your husband and sign on his behalf.

[taxref]

If your bank will not allow a joint refund to be direct deposited into an individual account, you still have plenty of time to find a bank which will. You can open a new account with a nominal amount, then file your return.

[NotSoFair]

Thank you everybody. I contacted the bank and they said ACH (auto deposit) will be accepted. But a paper check would need endorsement from both parties.