Soc. Sec. Benefits and back years

[WhiteOleander]

Thanks,
I was thinking that they could take the tax returns to the SSA after they're filed. Maybe that would speed up getting the info to the SSA.

[Kram BergGold]

Partial Answer

Taxpayers are required to file every year. Even though the IRS sometimes lets people just file the seven most recent years it does not mean the others are not required. So yes, you can file back to 1996. I believe if the person reports SE income for those yeears that they will get SS credit for them. Although maybe SS has a limit on how late the info can be received.

[WhiteOleander]

Someone is trying to apply for Soc. Sec. disability. They have not filed returns since 1996.

If they file that far back now will the IRS accept them? Or do they only let you file 6 years back? (someone said unless the returns were requested, the IRS only goes 6 years back???)

Also, I am assuming ( don't ever assume) that the SE would get credited for their disability.

Anyone have any experience with this? How long it takes to circulate through to the SSA?

Thanks