No SSN, how to file taxes?

[Lskifghj 53]

How can one file taxes if uscis screwed up with the SSN request data transfer and SSA offices are closed due to pandemic till who knows for how long? Ineligible for ITIN, cannot get state drivers license, open bank accounts, get insurance, ...

[Sukie 1,464]

Looks like you can still call them...

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/18/social-security-offices-closed-coronavirus-covid-19/2863574001/

 

Sukie in NY

[Ayrton 965]

18 minutes ago, Lskifghj said:

How can one file taxes if uscis screwed up with the SSN request data transfer and SSA offices are closed due to pandemic till who knows for how long? Ineligible for ITIN, cannot get state drivers license, open bank accounts, get insurance, ...

SSA offices are not closed. Most of them will let you book an appointment if it's your first SSN and it requires an in person interview. If in person interview is not required, you will mail them the application and your original documents.

Edited September 23, 2020 by Ayrton

[Ayrton 965]

17 minutes ago, Lskifghj said:

 

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Edited September 23, 2020 by Ayrton

[erzengel 37]

I've been dealing with this issue since my husband arrived in California in March.  We checked the auto-deliver-my-SSN box on our IV application, but his info was never in the system.  Over 6 months after he arrived, he still doesn't have a SSN, and local SSA offices are still closed with no ETA for reopening.  I call in every 3 weeks or so to check for updates.  Recently, the automatic phone message states that our local SSA office is now accepting limited in-person appointments.  However, when I speak to an agent, they inform me that they will only schedule an in-person meeting if the applicant has a "dire need" and needs a SSN now.  This requires having a job offer in hand or documentation from a health insurance provider requiring a SSN.

 

When I asked about the tax implications of not having a SSN, the agent informed me that SSA has been working with the IRS to allow new immigrants to apply for ITINs.  I called the IRS right after, and the person I spoke with confirmed that new immigrants like my husband would not normally be eligible to apply for an ITIN (because he qualifies for a SSN); however, these are uncommon times, and the rules can't cover every scenario.  He advised me to go ahead and apply for an ITIN.  There are IRS TACs supposedly accepting appointments to process ITINs.  My next step is to make an appointment.

 

ETA:  New issue SSNs require an in-person appointment.  We were told we could not mail in our original documents.

 

ETA Part 2:  New immigrants in California can apply for a DL without a SSN.  You just need to provide proof of legal status, proof of residence, etc...

 

 

 

Edited September 30, 2020 by erzengel