Tax Tip of the Week
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Make sure your social security numbers are correct
For the week of
January 22, 2001
If your tax return has an incorrect or missing social security
number, the IRS may increase your tax or reduce your refund. The IRS just announced that it won't tolerate invalid
social security numbers for spouses and dependents on 2000 tax returns.
The IRS plans to withhold refunds until social security numbers and name mismatches are corrected. If you file
a paper return, you will receive an IRS letter notifying you of the problem. If you file your return electronically,
the IRS will not accept the return at all if there are social security number discrepancies.
Last year, the IRS sent notices to 2.7 million spouses whose names and social security numbers did not match the
records of the Social Security Administration. The IRS suggests that if you change your surname for any reason,
such as marriage or divorce, you should immediately get updated ID cards from the Social Security Administration.
The name you use on your tax return should match the name you have on file with the Social Security Administration.
You also need a social security number for all dependents claimed on your return. If you fail to report a valid
number for your dependents, it will affect your exemption deduction, child tax credit, dependent care credit, earned
income credit, and education credits.
If you need to obtain a social security number or change information, contact the Social Security Administration
at 800-772-1213 or online at www.ssa.gov.
If you would like additional information or
if you need assistance, please contact us. We are here to help you.
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