ITIN Not Required?

[HappyYoga]

I am trying to file my taxes and my wife does not have a ITIN or SSN yet.

However I noticed on the 1040 instructions it says you can write in "NRA" if your spouse does not have and is not required to have a ITIN or SSN.

Does this apply to my wife from China? Do I need to go through the hassle of getting her a ITIN?

 

She does not work and has no income.

She has never been to the USA or ever had a visa issued.

 

 

I only found one conversation on the forums about this and it wasn't particulalry clear.

[Ryan H]

If you file "Married Filing Separately" then you can write N R A in the box and not obtain an ITIN. However, if you want to file jointly, an ITIN will be needed.