What Is An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
International students, dependents, and other visitors who are ineligible for a Social Security Number may be able to apply for an ITIN instead. This number is issued to individuals with a required reporting need and can be used in place of an SSN on some US tax forms. The ITIN cannot be used for identification purposes outside the tax system.
Applications must be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service . The Rochester-area IRS branch is located at 255 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604 . Visit the IRS website for more information.
Corrected Card For A Noncitizen Adult
If you change your name, become a U.S. citizen, or your immigration status or work authorization has changed, you need to tell Social Security so we can update our records and when necessary, issue a new card.
When you request a replacement or a corrected Social Security card, you must show us proof of your identity, immigration status and work authorization. In addition, if you need to change or correct any information on your Social Security card, you need to show us certain documents about the change. We can only accept certain documents.
In Cases Of Identity Theft You’ll Need To Prove Ongoing Fraud
Though it’s possible to change your Social Security number, it may not solve the problem.
In addition to proving ongoing fraud, you’ll also need to prove you’re suffering continued harm, like repeated hits to your credit rating, and that you’ve tried every other method to resolve the problem. That includes reporting the situation to the Federal Trade Commission, contacting the IRS and filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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What To Do If Someone Steals Your Tax Refund
If someone uses your Social Security number to file for a tax refund before you do, youll usually find out when you file your return with the IRS.
If you file by mail, the IRS will mail you a letter explaining that they received more than one return in your name. Follow the instructions in the letter.
If you try to submit your tax return online or through a tax preparer, the IRS will reject your tax return as a duplicate filing. If this happens, go to IdentityTheft.gov and report it. IdentityTheft.gov will create your
- FTC Identity Theft Report
Can You Apply For A New Social Security Number Online
Unfortunately, the SSA doesnât allow you to change your SSN online. Even more frustrating is that their local offices are no longer accepting in-person appointments due to the pandemic.
So where do you go to apply for a new SSN?
Your best option is to use the Social Security Office Locator to find the address and phone number for the SSA office location closest to you. Call them and explain your situation. They should be able to help guide you through the next steps of your application.
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How Do I Change The Gender In My Ssa Record
Social Security will accept any of the following forms of evidence for a gender marker change:
- A full-validity 10-year U.S. passport showing the correct gender,
- A state-issued birth certificate showing the correct gender,
- A court order recognizing the correct gender, or
- A signed letter from a provider confirming you have had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition
If you use a physician letter, it must come from a licensed physician with whom you have a patient relationship and who is familiar with your transition-related treatment. All certifications must be on the physicians office letterhead and include all information seen in the sample letter below, including the physicians license or certificate number.
You can download a sample physician letter here.
When Can You Change Your Social Security Number
You can’t change your Social Security number simply because you want to, or because your card has been lost or stolen.The Social Security Administration will assign a new number if:
- More than one person is assigned or using the same number.
- Sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems.
- You are a victim of ongoing identity theft by someone using the original number.
- You are being harassed or abused or your life is in danger.
- There is a religious or cultural objection to digits in the original number.
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Changing Your Social Security Number Is Not A Guaranteed Fix
Even if you are granted a new Social Security number, your problems may not instantly evaporate. Your old information is still out there, after all. Please keep in mind that a new number may not guarantee a fresh start because other governmental agencies and private businesses will have records under your old number, Jarrett says.
Most people who are asking us for it have had a persistent case of identity theft where it continues to crop up over a period of time.
Furthermore, obtaining a new Social Security number is not possible if youre trying to fix financial woes for which you are responsible, says Jarrett. You cannot get a new SSN to avoid the consequences of filing for bankruptcy, to avoid the law or your legal responsibility, or if there is no evidence that someone is using your number, he says.
Eva Velasquez, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center, notes that identity-theft victims often ask her about getting a new SSN, but its not really a viable option for most of them. In her experience, the Social Security Administration appears to deny most peoples requests for new numbers.
While the agency doesnt keep track of the number of applications for new Social Security numbers, only 250 were granted during all of last year.
California Law Limits The Public Display Of Social Security Numbers
A California law bars organizations from publicly displaying SSNs2. The law prohibits:
- Printing SSNs on ID cards or badges
- Printing SSNs on documents mailed to customers, unless the law requires it or the document is a form or application
- Printing SSNs on postcards or any other mailer where its visible without opening an envelope
- Avoiding legal requirements by encoding or embedding SSNs in cards or documents, such as using a bar code, chip, or magnetic strip
- Requiring people to send SSNs over the Internet, unless the connection is secure or the number is encrypted
- Requiring people to use an SSN to log onto a web site, unless a password is also used
- The law applies to businesses, government, and other entities.
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Report The Death Of A Social Security Or Medicare Beneficiary
You must report the death of a family member receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits. The Social Security Administration processes death reports for both. Find out how you can report a death and how to cancel benefit payments. In addition to canceling SSA and Medicare benefits, find out what other benefits and accounts you should cancel.
Social Security Cards: Documents Required To Obtain A Social Security Number And Card Or A Replacement Card
Local Social Security offices are offering more in-person appointments and have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. It is strongly encouraged to continue to go online, call for help, and schedule appointments in advance.
For more information on How to Get Help from Social Security, visit the website:
Link to the Social Security Administration website: www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.
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To Obtain a New Social Security Number and Card you will need to provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current immigration status.
The new online service allows individuals to get replacement Social Security cards through the Social Security Administration website at: www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
To Obtain a Replacement Card, if lost or stolen, you must prove your identity and U.S. citizenship.
To prove identity: Social Security must see:
- U.S. drivers license or
- State-issued non-driver identity card or
If you do not have these specific documents or cannot get a replacement for them within ten days, Social Security will ask to see other documents, such as:
- Employee ID card
- Letter from doctor, with your name, address, social security number and doctors name, address, and signature
To Prove Age: Social Security must see:
To prove U.S. citizenship: Under recent changes in law, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include:
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Submit Your Application To The Social Security Administration
âContact your local office again and tell them you have everything you need to submit the request. They should explain what your next steps are and what to expect.
If youâve been the victim of identity theft, youâll also want to follow these steps to secure your identity from fraud:
- Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission atIdentityTheft.gov or by calling 877-438-4338. The FTC will help you recover your identity and guide you through the next steps.
- File a police report for identity theft with local law enforcement. If youâre covered by identity theft insurance, a police report will most likely be required to submit a claim.
- If you think someone has taken employment or filed a fraudulent tax return using your SSN, visit the Internal Revenue Service’s Identity Theft Central webpage or call 1-800-908-4490.
- Notify your bank and credit card company. Even if a criminal hasnât committed financial fraud against you, your bank should cancel and reissue your debit or credit cards.
- Set up a credit freeze to prevent further fraud.
- Protect your online accounts. Secure your online identity by updating your passwords to be more secure and storing them in a password manager. Whenever possible, also enable two-factor authentication using an authenticator app like Google or Okta.
Were you the victim of fraud? Follow our fraud victim’s checklist for step-by-step instructions on how to recover from fraud.
How Long Will It Take To Receive A New Social Security Card
If the SSA has all the information it needs, you could receive your new Social Security card in as little as one week, depending on your situation. Hereâs the typical timeline you should expect when applying for a new card or SSN:
- When requesting a replacement Social Security card: 7 â 10 business days.
- When applying to change your Social Security number: Within two weeks.
- If the SSA needs to verify your legal status: Noncitizens who can legally work in the United States can get a SSN. Unfortunately, thereâs no specified timeline for situations where a government agency needs to verify your files relating to immigration documents, immigration status, U.S. citizen status, or your certificate of naturalization.
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Corrected Card For A Foreign Born Us Citizen Adult
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, you also need to tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:
- Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.
- Cause delays when you file your taxes.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.
Why Change A Social Security Number
The SSA generally discourages people from changing their Social Security number . But like many other rules, there can be exceptions. For example, the SSA may issue a new SSN if you are able to prove that using your existing number will cause you harm, such as in cases of domestic abuse or harassment. The agency also reissues Social Security numbers in certain instances when someone is a victim of identity theft.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that even if you get a brand-new SSN, it doesn’t mean you have wiped the slate clean. The SSA normally keeps records under the original SSN, and other government agencies, such as your state department of motor vehicles and the Internal Revenue Service do, as well. That also applies to some businesses, such as credit card companies, that maintain files on you.
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Will Changing My Gender With Ssa Affect My Health Benefits
Changing your gender marker with Social Security will typically not affect private health insurance. While some insurance plans may automatically refuse coverage of services that appear inconsistent with a gender marker in the plans records, private plans generally do not base their gender data on, or match it with, Social Security records.
However, if a person is enrolled in Medicare, or the Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income programs, their insurance record will be based on Social Security data. In that case, they may experience automatic refusals for coverage of services that appear inconsistent with a gender marker in Social Security records. This type of denial can usually be resolved by having your providers office either add a specific billing code, contact the plan, or help you request a formal coverage determination.
How Does Social Security Treat Marriages Involving Transgender People
Social Security recognizes as valid any marriage that was recognized under state law as being a valid marriage when it was entered into. Social Security looks to state law and government-issued documents to determine marital status it is not based on the gender marker in your Social Security record. For this reason, changing your gender marker with Social Security will not affect your or your spouses right to Social Security benefits. Any marriage that was valid when it was entered continues to be valid regardless of a spouses transition.
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How And When To Change Your Social Security Number
Can I change my Social Security Number ? is a question you may have at some point in your life. You may need to ask this because you underwent a major life event and now need to change your name. Sometimes, however, you may be asking this because you are the victim of identity theft. While there is often stress involved in either of these situations, changing your Social Security Number is an accomplishable task.
However, in addition to learning how to change your Social Security Number, you need to understand which types of situations permit you to do this. The Social Security Administration does not allow anyone to get a new SSN. However, there are some instances when you could be permitted to receive a new federal ID number.
Can you change your Social Security Number after identity theft?
Changing your Social Security Number is an option if you are the victim of identity theft. If someone else possesses your SSN, he or she can easily gain access to your personal information. If thieves have your number, they can open credit card lines in your name or take out loans. In the most extreme cases, changing your Social Security Number may be the only way you can rebuild your credit.
When can you change your Social Security Number?
If you are not a victim of identity theft, you may wonder, Can I change my Social Security Number for any other reasons? Each situation is unique, but you may be able to obtain a new SSN if you:
How can I change my Social Security Number?
Corrected Card For A Noncitizen Child
If you legally change your child’s name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security. If your child is working, also tell your child’s employer. If you do not tell us when your child’s name changes, it may:
- Delay your tax refund or your child’s refund and
- Prevent your child’s wages from being posted correctly to your child’s Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your child’s future Social Security benefits.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
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My Social Security Online Portal
If you think going through this will be time-consuming, the good news is that the process of updating your SSN has gotten better and easier. You can use the online portal called My Social Security and request a replacement card as long as youre not asking to make any changes and simply need a replacement card. You can use the same login credentials that were provided to you.
While most states offer online SSC replacement, services are not provided in states like Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia. Additionally, if your SSN was issued by territories like American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, then youre not eligible for an online application and have to do it by physically visiting the office.
Original Card For A Foreign Born Us Citizen Adopted Child
Information
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
Adoption
In some cases, we can assign your adopted child a number before the adoption is complete, but you may want to wait. Then, you can apply for the number using your child’s new name. If you want to claim your child for tax purposes while the adoption is still pending, contact the Internal Revenue Service for Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. For more information, see Social Security Numbers For Children .
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