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April 26, 2020
Question

change ITIN to SSN

  • April 26, 2020
  • 11 replies
  • 0 views

My spouse has both ITIN and SSN. I am primary with SSN. But, on my tax return we used my spouse ITIN for 2018 and 2019. Is there way, to update SSN and get stimulus checks ?

11 replies

April 26, 2020

yes and no

 

you can not amend a return to change ITIN to SSN once it's filed HOWEVER for stimulus 

 

  • The stimulus payments are really based on your 2020 tax return (income, dependents, etc).
  • The IRS is using either 2018 or 2019 – whatever is available  - to ESTIMATE that payment
  • When you file next year there will be a “settle up” section on the tax return. 
  • If you are due more stimulus (and this would include where you simply never received it), you will receive it through the 2020 tax filing as an additional refund
  • If you received too much stimulus (not the issue here), by law , you are not required to return it

 

your only path forward is to use spouse's SSN number on the 2020 tax return; the stimulus will come through at that time as an additional refund on your taxes 

 

April 26, 2020

@NCPERSON1  thanks for the detailed explanation!

May 2, 2020

I also have the same case. Somehow turbo tax used my wife's Existing ITIN data even i entered new SSN which recently we got. Now I am seeing not eligible statement for coronavirus stimulus check. Please, someone, help if there is any solution. @chihwei520  @NCPERSON1 @IRS "Re: Where can I find the Stimulus registration form?" "Am I eligible for stimulus package check from IRS?" 

Critter
Employee
May 2, 2020

You need to notify the IRS, so it can combine all of your tax records under one identification number. This is from IRS website:

 

What do I do when I am assigned a social security number (SSN)?

 

Once you receive a SSN, you must use that number for tax purposes and discontinue using your ITIN.  It is improper to use both the ITIN and the SSN assigned to the same person to file tax returns.  It is your responsibility to notify the IRS so we can combine all of your tax records under one identification number.  If you do not notify the IRS when you are assigned a SSN, you may not receive credit for all wages paid and taxes withheld which could reduce the amount of any refund due.  You can visit a local IRS office or write a letter explaining that you have now been assigned a SSN and want your tax records combined.  Include your complete name, mailing address, and ITIN along with a copy of your social security card and a copy of the CP 565, Notice of ITIN Assignment, if available.  The IRS will void the ITIN and associate all prior tax information filed under the ITIN with the SSN.  Send your letter to: 

     Internal Revenue Service 
     Austin, TX 73301 -  0057 

               

June 21, 2020

Hi,

 

I have exact same situation like you described. I filed my taxes in mid Feb this year and used ITIN for my spouse instead of SSN. As per the stimulus rules this mistake makes all family members ineligible to receive the stimulus check. Did you followup with IRS to update SSN? or we just need to wait until next year to claim missing stimulus check payment in 2020 tax returns? Let me know. Thanks. 

Employee
June 21, 2020

Send the IRS the letter as described above telling them about the ITIN and SSN.  File all your future tax returns with the SSN.   As best we know now, your stimulus will be recalculated when you file your 2020 tax return, and if you qualify for more then then you have received now, the extra will be added to your refund then.  There is no procedure to have the stimulus we calculated before then that we know of.

June 22, 2020

Thank you for your prompt response. Your answer is very logical as it is clearly mentioned that one cannot amend filed tax return for ITIN to SSN update. I will be sending my documentation to IRS for ITIN to SSN update. Hopefully i shall be able to file my 2020 tax return with SSN and claim any missed payments. Thanks.

July 20, 2020

Hi,


I followed this procedure and Sent the letter to the IRS 2 or 3 weeks ago.

 

ia there a way to check if the update in the IRS system has been made for my wife’s SSN as a replacement to the previously used ITIN?

 

Thanks

Employee
July 20, 2020

It will never update in the system to allow you to e-file with the SSN this season.  You must file by mail.  You should be able to e-file next season. 

July 20, 2020

Thanks for your reply. Understood.

 

Do you know if they will mail a letter stating they have updated their system? How do I know they processed my request letter amidst this covid shut down?

July 31, 2020

Hi 

 

I am in same boat. My wife got SSN and missed to update in 2019 tax returns.

I have two children one with ITIN and another with SSN. As per my knowledge,if any one in house has ITIN, the stimulus check will not be given for entire family. 

 

If thats true, can i file 2020 tax returns with my SSN,my wifes SSN and only one child who has SSN. Do i need to include my child who has ITIN.

DoninGA
Employee
July 31, 2020

@Kumar123 wrote:

Hi 

 

I am in same boat. My wife got SSN and missed to update in 2019 tax returns.

I have two children one with ITIN and another with SSN. As per my knowledge,if any one in house has ITIN, the stimulus check will not be given for entire family. 

 

If thats true, can i file 2020 tax returns with my SSN,my wifes SSN and only one child who has SSN. Do i need to include my child who has ITIN.


Go to this IRS website for stimulus payment information FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center

 

 

A2. Although some filers, such as high-income filers, will not qualify for an Economic Impact Payment, most will.

Taxpayers likely won't qualify for an Economic Impact Payment if any of the following apply:

  • You do not have any qualifying children and your adjusted gross income is greater than
    • $198,000 if your filing status was married filing jointly
    • $136,500 for head of household
    • $99,000 for all other eligible individuals
  • You can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. For example, this would include a child, student who can be claimed on a parent’s return or a dependent parent who is claimed on their child’s return.
  • You do not have a Social Security number that is valid for employment.
  • You are a nonresident alien.
  • You filed Form 1040-NR or Form 1040NR-EZ, Form 1040-PR or Form 1040-SS for 2019.
  • An incarcerated individual.
  • A deceased individual.
  • An estate or trust.
August 3, 2020

@DoninGA Thanks for reply.

As per below 

"You do not have any qualifying children"

 

I have one qualified children and one dont quality.  So whats my scenario. 

 

 

November 8, 2020

Just want to let everybody know that I have received confirmation from IRS that they've updated my wife's ITIN to SSN, I filed the request in May. 

November 8, 2020

Hello,

 

How did you file your request? Did you send a letter?

 

How did they confirm this to you?

did they send you a letter ?

 

Thanks

November 8, 2020

Yes I sent a letter and they mailed a confirmation letter back.

 

You can follow these steps:

https://finance.zacks.com/modify-tax-return-itin-ssn-spouse-4563.html

November 21, 2020

Thank you. This explains things fairly. Also what should be included is to send a letter to the IRS to use the newly assigned SSN in the place of the ITIN using the terms request to rescind ITIN. Included should be a copy of the ITIN, assigned SSN, full name, & current address. Then with this process the IRS should be able to connect the dots of information to correctly process filings & issue due stimulus payment. That’s my best understanding after a while of research. Now I can go on to other things. Appreciate the advise & hope my input helps further everyone’s understanding. 

Critter-3
November 21, 2020

Per the IRS:

 

What do I do when I am assigned a social security number (SSN)?
Once you receive a SSN, you must use that number for tax purposes and discontinue using your ITIN.  It is improper to use both the ITIN and the SSN assigned to the same person to file tax returns.  It is your responsibility to notify the IRS so we can combine all of your tax records under one identification number.  If you do not notify the IRS when you are assigned a SSN, you may not receive credit for all wages paid and taxes withheld which could reduce the amount of any refund due.  You can visit a local IRS office or write a letter explaining that you have now been assigned a SSN and want your tax records combined.  Include your complete name, mailing address, and ITIN along with a copy of your social security card and a copy of the CP 565, Notice of ITIN Assignment, if available.  The IRS will void the ITIN and associate all prior tax information filed under the ITIN with the SSN.  Send your letter to: 

     Internal Revenue Service 
     Austin, TX 73301 -  0057 

July 6, 2021

Yes, I got my all stimulus payment now. I submitted my 2019 amended return for the same cause. 

July 15, 2021

Hello do you need to amend the return once IRS makes the change to SSN? Can we go back and reclaim the payment that we are entitled? my wife was on ITIN and just got a SSN in 2021.

March 11, 2022

In 2020 I used ITIN and in 2021 I used SSN but IRS rejected my return on account of wrong ID. What should I do?

March 11, 2022

You will need to print and mail your return with a letter explaining you now have a SSN.  You will need to include your ITIN on that letter so the IRS can match your old records with your new ones. 

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May 24, 2022

Need to correct my ssn