Dear Editor:
As regular as clockwork, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds us to pay our taxes by sending us a Form 1040 soon after the first of the year. If you’re due a refund, you also want to make sure you receive it promptly. You can avoid delays by verifying that all names and Social Security numbers are recorded correctly on your tax return.
When processing tax returns, IRS checks all names and Social Security numbers for accuracy In the past, IRS matched the names and numbers of taxpayers and their spouses. Now, the names and numbers of all dependents, including newborns, listed on the tax return are checked.
When IRS discovers an incorrect Social Security number on your tax return, they will send you a letter explaining the discrepancy. You must fix the problem by giving IRS the correct Social Security number before you can get a tax refund. If you don’t already have a number or if you need one for a dependent, call or visit a Social Security office.
In addition, check the Social Security number and name on your W-2 statement and pay stub to make sure it matches the one on your Social Security card. If it doesn’t, tell your employer immediately.
Yvonne Bryant
Social Security Manager, Jersey City