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A mismatch between a name and a Social
Security number on a tax return could mean costly problems.
At best, it could slow down a refund.
At worst, it could unexpectedly increase a tax bill.
That's why it's critical to make
sure you:
- Have a Social Security number
for everyone listed on a return -- you, your spouse,
children and any other dependents you claim -- and
- Enter those numbers correctly
and, if you're filing on paper, legibly.
A couple of
years ago, the Internal Revenue Service stopped putting
taxpayer Social Security numbers on the tax package
labels. Privacy advocates were concerned that this information
could be too easily used by others.
Unfortunately, the IRS found that removing
it also meant that taxpayers forgot to write in their
identification numbers on their tax returns. So it's
now up to you to fill in your Social Security number,
as well as any others required on your return and associated
schedules.
Marital mismatches
These numbers are particularly important for the recently
married or divorced.
The IRS urges newlyweds, when the bride
takes the husband's surname, to let the Social Security
Administration know about the name change. If the couple
files a joint tax return with her new name, IRS computers
will not be able to match the new name with the number.
Similarly, the IRS warns, a woman who
reassumes her maiden name after a divorce needs to make
that change known to Social Security officials.
Nine
critical digits
Why such concern over nine digits? Because there are
so many transactions -- income statements, savings account
interest, retirement plan contributions -- that are
keyed to this number.
The identification numbers also are vital
when the IRS checks any tax
credits you apply for, such as the popular child
and additional child tax credits, as well as tax breaks
for educational expenses and dependent care.
If your kids don't have their Social Security
numbers yet, contact the Social Security Administration
immediately to obtain them. If you need to let Uncle
Sam know of a name change, file Form SS-5, available
on the agency's Web
site. You also can request a form by calling (800)
772-1213 or pick one up at a local Social Security office.
It usually takes two weeks to have the change verified.
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Updated: April 5, 2007 |
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