It’s not uncommon to file your taxes with an incorrect SSN. It happens when you forget to update your records after getting a new card, or when you don’t know your number because of immigration status. There are many reasons why this could happen, but the IRS has a solution: File as soon as possible and update your return later on.
In this guide, we review the following: Can You File Taxes With Wrong Social Security Number, how to fix wrong social security number on tax return, different name on w2 and social security card, and what to do if someone uses your social security number to file taxes.
Can You File Taxes With Wrong Social Security Number
Yes, the IRS says you can file a tax return with an incorrect Social Security number (SSN).
You can file with an incorrect Social Security number. The IRS says that you can use an incorrect SSN as long as you’re not sure of the number. If you’re not sure, this means that it could be different from what’s on your W-2 or 1099 forms.
However, if you know that your SSN is wrong, then don’t use it for filing tax returns. For example, if someone else has stolen your identity and used your name and information to get a fake SSN from the government, then their information will be in the database system when the IRS looks up yours by name and date of birth (DOB). This will cause problems with processing returns because they won’t match up properly due to having mismatched names/DOBs or even just two different names at all; therefore they may get rejected by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) computers before being reviewed manually by human beings who can see why there might be errors here; so avoid these kinds of situations altogether by always using correct information when filing taxes–this includes both real IDs such as those issued by state agencies like driver licenses or IDs issued by employers etcetera which are often called ITIN numbers rather than social security numbers simply because they don’t contain any characters which would render them readable outside normal English keyboards like letters do–like hyphens (-), asterisks (*), question marks(?), dollar signs($), asterisks (*) etcetera
The problem is that your return won’t be accepted by the IRS until you send in the correct SSN.
The problem is that your return won’t be accepted by the IRS until you send in the correct SSN. If you e-file, you’ll get a message that your return was rejected because of an incorrect SSN, and then they’ll ask if you want to print and mail it instead. If this happens at all, it should be easy enough to correct the issue by providing them with your correct SSN or updating it on their website as soon as possible.
Your return will have one of these messages if it’s rejected by e-file or doesn’t match the SSA records.
If your return is rejected by e-file or doesn’t match the SSA records, you’ll see one of these messages:
- “Your refund will be delayed.” This could mean that it’s not possible to issue a refund before April 15th. It also means that you’ll have to file a paper return and submit it by mail. The IRS offers several resources on its website to help people with their returns if they’re having trouble filing online (see links above).
- “Your SSN does not match up with our records.” This message means that there was an error in entering your Social Security number on Form 1040/1040A; another option is to use Form 8879 instead (if available). You can also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for assistance with this problem!
You’re probably going to have to file a paper return, because most tax prep software won’t allow you to e-file with a mismatched SSN.
You’re probably going to have to file a paper return, because most tax prep software won’t allow you to e-file with a mismatched SSN.
If you use H&R Block, you can file a paper return if your Social Security number doesn’t match.
Once you get your new card, you should file Form 1040X and attach the W-2 form with the correct SSN.
Now, your next step is to file Form 1040X and attach the W-2 form with your new SSN.
If you e-file, this can be done online at [IRS website]. You’ll need your prior year’s tax return, so make sure not to throw it away before filing this form! If you’re choosing to mail in a paper copy of Form 1040X, follow these instructions on how to submit it (it’s pretty simple).
Once they receive your amended return, they’ll process it and send you back any refund that was due from their original mistake.
When you file with the correct number, you could get any refund due to you.
When you file with the correct number, you could get any refund due to you.
The IRS will send a notice of correction to the Social Security Administration. That agency will then notify your employer and other agencies as needed so they can update their records.
If you do not file with the correct number, however, it may be harder for you to get refunds owed to you because other agencies might not have accurate information about your earnings or which benefits were paid in error on your behalf.
No one knows how to fix this better than the IRS.
The IRS is the best place to go for information on how to file taxes with a wrong SSN. The IRS will be able to tell you exactly what’s necessary to fix the problem and get back on track. They can answer any questions you may have about this process, and they’re also available for any other tax questions.
how to fix wrong social security number on tax return
According to the Internal Revenue Service, one of the most common errors on tax returns is writing down the wrong Social Security number or forgetting to include the number on the return. Mistakenly writing down the wrong Social Security number on your tax return can prevent the IRS from giving you credit for the return you filed, tax breaks for the dependents you claimed and the payments you submitted. To fix the problem, you need to file an amended tax return.
Form 1040X
To amend your tax return, use Form 1040X, available on the IRS website. You can correct your Social Security number at the top of the form next to your name or the number for a dependent on line 29. Explain why you’re filing the amended return in Part III of Form 1040X. Your explanation doesn’t have to be complicated; just saying “Filing to correct the Social Security number for my dependent child Susan” is sufficient.
Filing Form 1040X
You must fill out a separate Form 1040X for each tax year you need to correct. On the bright side, since you’re only correcting information, you don’t need to fill out all the line items. Just enter your correct information at the start of the form and explain what you’re changing in Part III.
different name on w2 and social security card
A name change can have an impact on your tax return if not timed correctly. The first step to changing your legal name is to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA). Although the IRS and the SSA are separate from one another, the IRS uses your Social Security Number (SSN) to confirm the information on your tax return matches your record with the SSA. If your name on your SSA record doesn’t match the name on your tax return, it could cause a delay in receiving your refund. For this reason, it’s important to properly time filing your taxes when changing your name.
It might seem complicated to change your name during tax season, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re married but haven’t started your name change. You need to decide if you have enough time to update your name with the SSA before filing your tax return. You can contact your local SSA office by visiting ssa.gov/locator (select ‘Locate on Office By Zip’) and enter in your zip code.
Once you receive confirmation of your name change from the SSA, use your new name on your tax return. If you don’t have enough time to change your name with the SSA before filing your return, use your current legal name as shown on your Social Security card on your tax return.
If you’ve already updated your name with the Social Security Administration. Use the name on your new Social Security card on your tax return. If you’ve submitted your Social Security application (Form SS-5) but have not received your new card yet, contact your SSA office to confirm if your name change has been processed.
If you’ve filed your tax return with the IRS and are expecting a tax refund. Wait until you receive your tax refund check/deposit from the IRS before starting your name change. A name mismatch may cause a delayed tax refund.
If you’ve filed your tax return with the IRS and are not expecting a tax refund. You can start your name change at any time since you’ve already filed your taxes for the prior year.
Frequently Asked Questions I just changed my name on my Social Security card. What name should I use on my tax return? Use the name on your new Social Security card when filing your tax return. The name on your tax return must match the name on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Will changing my name now impact me when I file taxes in a couple of months? It depends on when you plan on filing your tax return. You may or may not have enough time to update your name with the SSA before the tax filing deadline. We suggest calling your local SSA office to see how long it is taking to process name changes and issue new Social Security cards.
What should I do after updating my name with the SSA to ensure my taxes and W2 are all aligned for this tax year? After you update your name on your Social Security card, notify your HR department of your name change so your employer can update your payroll and benefits information to your new name.
Don’t know where to start with changing your name change? NewlyNamed provides personalized name change kits to take time and hassle out of your name change after marriage or divorce. Check out our name change kits if you’d like to make your name change easy.
what to do if someone uses your social security number to file taxes
If someone uses your information to file a fraudulent tax return, the person is looking to get your tax refund. You’ll want to work with the IRS as soon as you discover the identity theft to ensure that your actual return is processed as quickly as possible.
Notification
In many cases, when someone files a tax return using your Social Security number, you won’t find out until after the second return is filed. The second return could be from you or the person who has stolen your information.
When the IRS receives two different returns with the same Social Security number, the second return filed will be rejected if you e-filed or if you paper-filed you’ll get a written notice that explains that a return has already been filed. Even if you don’t get a letter from the IRS but suspect a fraudulent return has been filed with your information, you can still take action.
IRS Form 14039
When you discover another a tax return has been filed with your Social Security number, you’ll use IRS Form 14039 to alert the IRS. When you complete this form, you’ll indicate that someone has stolen your identity and it has affected your tax account since they have filed a return using your identifying information. You’ll also provide information about the tax year affected and the last return you filed prior to the identity theft.
Sending Form 14039
After you complete Form 14039, mail it to the IRS with a copy of your Social Security card and driver’s license. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can substitute a U.S. Passport, military ID or other government-issued identification card.
If you received an IRS notice concerning the fraudulent return, include a copy of the notice. Mail the form and documents to the address shown in your notice.
If you did not receive an IRS notice, mail your documents to:
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888-0025
TurboTax Tip: The IRS only notifies taxpayers of issues by mail. The IRS will not initiate contact with you by phone or via email. If you receive such calls or emails, they are likely a scam.
Request for Identity Verification from the IRS
When the IRS stops a suspicious tax return filing, they may send a letter called “Letter 5071C” asking that you verify your identity. It will include a couple ways to verify it: via a phone number or through the IRS’s Identity Verification Service, https://idverify.irs.gov.
This online service is the quickest method and will ask you multiple-choice questions to verify whether or not the tax return flagged for further identity verification was filed by you or someone else. The IRS only sends such notices by mail. The IRS will not request that you verify your identity by contacting you by phone or through email. If you receive such calls or emails, they are likely a scam.
If you can’t confirm your identity using the IRS’ online Identity Verification Service, you can call the IRS at the phone number included in the letter.
When confirming your identity, you will need:
Additional precautions
When someone has enough of your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return, they can use your identity to commit other crimes. In addition to alerting the IRS, you should consider placing a freeze on your credit report file with all three credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened. The Federal Trade Commission also suggests filing an identity theft report with your local police department, and also with the FTC online.
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