Taxpayer asks:
I have a query on the recovery rebate for the year 2008.
Let me explain my status as of last year and current year.
Last year :
Tax filed as “Maried filling jointly”
Myself – have SSN
Wife – ITIN
KID1 – ITIN
Since my wife didn’t have an SSN, we didn’t qualify for the stimulus package, which I agree upon.
This year :
Tax filed as “Maried filling jointly”
Myself – have SSN
Wife – SSN
Kid1 – ITIN
Kid2 – ITIN
Since my wife has SSN this year, I was expecting recovery rebate of around $1200 (600 each for myself and my wife). I understand that my kids don’t have SSN, so I won’t get any credit for them.
But the IRS department totally denied any credit saying that all the persons on the tax return should have valid SSN.
Is this correct? Last year many of my colleagues in similar situation got stimulus package for themselves and their spouse and not for kids. So why I have been denied the credit for myself and my wife this year ?
Your advise on the same would be highly appreciated.
Taxgirl says:
Unfortunately, the IRS is right on this one. To be eligible to collect a rebate, you’re only eligible if “[y]ou and any family members listed on your tax return have valid Social Security numbers.”
I’m not sure why others you know might have received a check other than human error. I do know that some folks were filing MFS (married filing separately) to avoid being ineligible altogether – but that’s not something that I recommend in most circumstances. It’s rare that MFS produces a significantly better tax result, especially with dependent children.
I wish I had a better answer for you.
All that said, I’m not sure why your children would not have a SSN if you and your wife do – have you applied?
Like any good lawyer, I need to add a disclaimer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.
Have a question? Ask the taxgirl! – Now on Facebook!
Taxpayer asks:
I was reading for your article and it said what is it but id doesn’t said where to get it , is it where you get a social security number
Taxgirl says:
I’m not sure which article you’re referring to but this previous post is a good place to get started. It has information about obtaining a Social Security number, EIN and ITIN.
Good luck!
Like any good lawyer, I need to add a disclaimer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.
Have a question? Ask the taxgirl! – Now on Facebook!
Taxpayer asks:
¿Cómo puedo obtener un ITIN?
(How can I get an ITIN?)
Taxgirl says:
Since I get a lot of variations on a theme of this question (SSN/EIN/ITIN), I will answer a bunch of them at one time:
To get a SSN (Social Security Number), you will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card (available online or by calling 1.800.772.1213). You also must submit evidence of your identity, age and US citizenship or lawful alien status.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is also known as a federal tax identification number and is used to identify a business entity. To get an EIN, you will need to complete form SS-4 (you can apply online).
IRS issues ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for SSNs. An ITIN is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a SSN. An ITIN is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number “9″, formatted like an SSN. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will have to show proof of foreign/alien status.
If you have questions about which number is most appropriate for you, contact your tax professional. If you cannot afford legal or accounting services, do not ignore the ITIN requirement – you may be missing out on tax or other benefits that you would be entitled to receive. Contact legal services in your town or county – you might be eligible for free legal aid.
Like any good lawyer, I need to add a disclaimer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.
Have a question? Ask the Taxgirl!
