MFS and spouse's SSN

[NotEasy]

Simple question but difficult answer.

Husband needs to file a MFS this year because he and his wife have already separated (but not divorced yet). The problem is that he does not know his wife's SSN and there is no way he can find it. What can he do?

[erchess]

here is a link

to where this was all hashed out. http://www.thetaxbook.com/forums/sho...ghlight=Spouse

[S T]

Prior Tax Returns

If you didn't prepare the prior year/s joint tax returns, then have the t/p go to the prior preparer and request a copy of the returns.

The Fed form 4506 asks for both ID's, so that won't work, but maybe you can request for the State filed in.

What about checking with employer, for health benefits, obtaining a copy of the paperwork, as I believe the SSN #'s have to be furnished.

If all else fails, have the t/p's attorney request from the spouse's attorney.

Sandy

[taxea]

or request last year's transcript from e-services. taxea

[ChEAr$]

simpler answer

is to have client file a paper return, and write in "U K N O W N " in appropriate space.

IRS will not write back and demand the number just to process a return.

[WhiteOleander]

I have filed many MFS returns with "unable" written in the space for the spouse's SS# .The T/P has never received a letter or anything else from the IRS asking for the SS#.

[Uncle Sam]

Mfs & Ss#

I see that an assumption is being made that the couple previously filed a joint return.

Is it possible that they married early in the year, and are divorcing in the same tax year?

[drdino]

Punt

Punt it to the IRS. 'Unable to obtain' works every time. They are the IRS, they have it!

[ChEAr$]

unless

Punt it to the IRS. 'Unable to obtain' works every time. They are the IRS, they have it!

there just happens to be two or more ladies named "Modine A Gunch".

[drdino]

there just happens to be two or more ladies named "Modine A Gunch".

Being married to and filing a return with the same guy? I think they will figure it out.

[ChEAr$]

Nobody

Being married to and filing a return with the same guy? I think they will figure it out.

not even OP ever said that the married couple had ever even filed a return jointly.

And IRS wouldn't be able to tell which Modine it was since SSA master file records
don't have spousal information until much later on after one or the other has filed for
benefits.

[OtisMozzetti]

How to enforce both must itemize rule?

So, if the IRS isn't furnished the SSN of the spouse, how is the IRS supposed to go about enforcing the rule that both spouses must itemize their Schedule A deductions if one of them does?

===== AND

In this neck of the woods, there are an awful lot of those who were married and never yet divorced or legally separated but who TRY to file as "single" so as to avoid the several disadvantages of MFS status when HOH status isn't available.

[ChEAr$]

status

So, if the IRS isn't furnished the SSN of the spouse, how is the IRS supposed to go about enforcing the rule that both spouses must itemize their Schedule A deductions if one of them does?

===== AND

In this neck of the woods, there are an awful lot of those who were married and never yet divorced or legally separated but who TRY to file as "single" so as to avoid the several disadvantages of MFS status when HOH status isn't available.

IRS can not enforce this "requirement", only to hint that it is a requirement. After all,
where in the regulations or code IS it required? You might think that IRS has the impression that all married couples share their finances. Most do, of course, but many of us keep our personal finances separate, esp if we're NOT in a communistic state like California. (grin)
I have no idea how much money my wife has or doesn't have in her bank account, and likewise, she has no idea as to mine, or even how much in my several IRA accounts.

As to certain married people filing as "single", that used to be an advantage, when considering deductions and tax rates, but not so much a factor now; unless the woman wants to claim HOH.

One girl came to me first time one year. She had read a little bit about it, and IRS had
told her about HOH status, and she seized upon the phrase "considered unmarried".
Yes, she sure did consider herself unmarried, as he "stayed with her" sometimes, and
other times "stayed" with his friends in another state.

[ED SMITH]

It is easy to get!

If they filed jointly before, it is easy to get. Just have him request copies of prior years account trancripts. Both names and SSN's will be there.

You can do it yourself if you have a POA or 8821.