If you don't file your own taxes, PLEASE Get your SSN card! (and copy it?)

[nitpicker]

I was spying on the free tax filing "opposition" (AARP) today (I volunteer for VITA) and witnessed a veteran (and his wife) being unable to get help because he had filed with military help last year Because he was no longer on active duty, the post turned him away, and AARP (like VITA) said "newbie, no SSN card, no service".

If you have a SSN card and are afraid of carrying it, copy it and VITA (and presumably AARP and ethical tax preparers) will accept that as proof of SSN (a new IRS requirement for third-party preparers). Remember to do this for ALL your dependents.

If you lost the SSN card:

Go online at home or at the library to download your IRS forms:

https://apps.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/formsPublications.html

and fill them out yourself.

It's a bit late to go to the local SSA office for this year's filing (to get cards in time), but do it anyway so you can get free help next year (if your household income is under =$55K).

[still_one]

1. Are you saying if the person supplies the Social Security number they will require the actual

physical card?

I have never encountered that problem where they have required me to supply the physical SS card. I have it, but whether filing taxes on my own, or through an accountant, I have never been asked, so I am confused why this is now an issue, unless of course they have forgotten their SSN

[nitpicker]

2. New year, new rules.

IRS is trying to crack down on tax fraud. So, if you have a new tax preparer, it is their responsibility to affirm your SSN (whether via the card, a photocopy, or a Medicare card). If the newbies are NOT asking for the card, I would smell a skunk (or at least someone clueless).

I rented out an old house, so as I have to file Schedule E I'm not eligible for free tax help (but military are IF they can find qualified tax prep volunteers).

Of course, if you are filing your own taxes, YOU are responsible for getting the SSNs right.

[SheilaT]

3. Back in the 1960's I had to show my actual SS card

for the first two or three jobs I got. Haven't needed to do so in forever.

I still have my original, issued in 1965, and it says "Not to be used for identification purposes". They no longer put that on the cards.