Can Alien registration number be used for ITIN (individual Taxpayer identification number) in leiu of SSI#

[Faux Pas 0]

I'm in a pickle. When my wife arrived from Russia in a hurry to make her connecting flight she threw away her I-94. Needless to say this caused a whole chain of events but the bottom line was no SSI# until we got married and got the I-94 replaced which we did. We were married in January of 2010, the I-94 was (eventually) replaced in May of 2010 and we filed for her AOS immediately. Unfortunately we bought a new house and moved requiring us to change address with USCIS that has taken now 5 different conversations with the USCIS and 4 seperate changes of address on that one change alone. All this while we are waiting for her interview for temporary green card which has been delayed and changed on the account of USCIS. Just most recently, they scheduled our interview at the same office we went to for biometrics then called the morning before the interview to say it is to be rescheduled yet again at the "correct" office. This interview we have waited on for now 9 months. I tried to unsurp the system a bit and went to a Social Security Office to have her apply for a card but no go, they said USCIS has not released her for a card "yet".

I need to file taxes and I used her alien registration number as a SSI# and my tax preparer doesn't know if it can be used. Anyone at all familiar with this?

[SophWeb 25]

I'm in a pickle. When my wife arrived from Russia in a hurry to make her connecting flight she threw away her I-94. Needless to say this caused a whole chain of events but the bottom line was no SSI# until we got married and got the I-94 replaced which we did. We were married in January of 2010, the I-94 was (eventually) replaced in May of 2010 and we filed for her AOS immediately. Unfortunately we bought a new house and moved requiring us to change address with USCIS that has taken now 5 different conversations with the USCIS and 4 seperate changes of address on that one change alone. All this while we are waiting for her interview for temporary green card which has been delayed and changed on the account of USCIS. Just most recently, they scheduled our interview at the same office we went to for biometrics then called the morning before the interview to say it is to be rescheduled yet again at the "correct" office. This interview we have waited on for now 9 months. I tried to unsurp the system a bit and went to a Social Security Office to have her apply for a card but no go, they said USCIS has not released her for a card "yet".

I need to file taxes and I used her alien registration number as a SSI# and my tax preparer doesn't know if it can be used. Anyone at all familiar with this?

No, absolutely not. Two completely different things.

You do not need a SSN to put her on your taxes. You can use a Tax Identification Number if she is not eligible for a SSN.

You can apply for a Tax Identification Number with the IRS. It takes about 6 weeks to process.

Edited March 1, 2011 by SophWeb

[YuAndDan 153]

NO.

ITIN is all that is needed to file a joint return.

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html

I believe you file an W-7 along with the return.

This is quite common for others who cannot get SSN, like a K-3 spouse.

[SunDrop 59]

NO.

This is quite common for others who cannot get SSN, like a K-3 spouse.

A K-3 spouse doesn't qualify for a SSN but a K-1 fiancee does?! That doesn't sound right.

I believe you might be thinking of a K-2 or K-4 dependent, who cannot get SSNs until they have an EAD or their CGCs.

But it is a W-7 form for an ITIN, you have to file manually with your tax return, and if your tax preparer doesn't know about ITINs, get a new one!

[jkelly07 120]

the department of treasury, internal revenue service asstin tx is the depertment that does the itin number,the phone number is 1-800-908-9982 call that number tell then you need a number to file your taxes your wife don't have a social security card or number,they will send you a w-7 form or you can down load the form from IRS.GOV you ma want to get a extention 6 months to file so you won't get late charges.when you get the new numberand send your return to this address VERY INPORTMENT do not send to any other office.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

ITIN OPERATIONS

MAIL STOP 6090-AUSC

3651 SO INTERREGINAL

HWAY 35

AUSTIN TX

78741-0000

[Faux Pas 0]

Thanks for the replies. I was afraid of that. Supposedly we are on the brink of the temporary GC interview. Perhaps I should hold off on filing the taxes and wait and see if we can get a GC and a SSI# and in the interim apply for a W-7? I could file for an extension prior to April 15 if I needed it?

[Faux Pas 0]

A K-3 spouse doesn't qualify for a SSN but a K-1 fiancee does?! That doesn't sound right.

I believe you might be thinking of a K-2 or K-4 dependent, who cannot get SSNs until they have an EAD or their CGCs.

But it is a W-7 form for an ITIN, you have to file manually with your tax return, and if your tax preparer doesn't know about ITINs, get a new one![/font]

Sundrop, thanks for the reply. It seems however your information is not the same of some other. You state file the W-7 with my taxes?

Edited March 1, 2011 by Faux Pas

[YuAndDan 153]

A K-3 spouse doesn't qualify for a SSN but a K-1 fiancee does?! That doesn't sound right.

I believe you might be thinking of a K-2 or K-4 dependent, who cannot get SSNs until they have an EAD or their CGCs.

But it is a W-7 form for an ITIN, you have to file manually with your tax return, and if your tax preparer doesn't know about ITINs, get a new one!

Note the only K-visa that is qualified to get a SSN while their I-94 is valid is K-1, the other K-Visas K-2,3 and 4 are not qualified. the K-1 is qualified for SSN for only one reason, to get married, there is a federal law on the books that requires SSN to be able to apply for licenses, some states strictly follow this and reqiore K-1 to have SSN before they will issue a marriage license.

[SunDrop 59]

Sundrop, thanks for the reply. It seems however your information is not the same of some other. You state file the W-7 with my taxes?

It's more a case of filing your taxes with the W-7, I believe. They process the W-7, issue the ITIN and then apply it to, and process, your return.

Read the W-7 instructions, complete the form and include copies of the supporting documentation showing why she's entitled to an ITIN, attach it to the front of your return and mail it to the address on the W-7. Take a look at the link to the W-7 instructions I've provided. Page 2, "how to apply" section details submitting the return alongside the W-7.

I think it takes 4-6 weeks, although we're in the height of tax season, so I'd expect it to take longer.

You won't need to file for an extension because you're submitting your return manually.

I can find out of you if turbo-tax has a W-7 form service built in (I'd be surprised if it didn't) but you're using an adjuster? They really should know this, it's not rocket science and an absolute doddle to look up.

[Faux Pas 0]

Sundrop

Thanks again. I used the H&R Block online. It works a bit differently from online Turbotax. I actually used both Turbo and H&R and there was a significant difference ($1700) in the return filing with the H&R. The H&R version sends the return to a "Tax professional" for review. He is the one that asked me about her alien registration number (likely because that is what I used in place of her SSI#) Then he asked me to find out what I could about it. Don't know if he's too busy because of tax season or just too lazy. In any event, I am into H&R and this guy about $150. We'll see what he comes up with or if I'll need him to refund my money