topic I don't have access to my spouse social security number in Retirement tax questions

I don't have access to my spouse social security number

maxxpallets-yaho — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:59:31 GMT

I'm filing head of household

Re: I don't have access to my spouse social security number

NCperson — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 17:03:07 GMT

what is your marital status? suggest working through this IRS tool (under 5 minutes) to confirm you can file HOH.

if you are able to file HOH, your spouse's SS should not be required. (if you can file HOH, then you are considered 'unmarried' by the IRS)

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/what-is-my-filing-status

Re: I don't have access to my spouse social security number

maxxpallets-yaho — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 00:40:08 GMT

So filing single is OK even if I'm married as long as I'm filing head of household. Is that what you're saying. Thank you for the valuable information in advance.

Re: I don't have access to my spouse social security number

NCperson — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 01:01:52 GMT

@maxxpallets-yaho NO! NO!

if you are married you CANNOT file HOH nor can you file SINGLE.

you must file Married-Filing Joint or Married- Filing Separate. Those are your only choices.

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/what-is-my-filing-status

did you take the time to click the IRS link and answer the questions. it'll be a lot easier that way.

Do you live with your spouse and is the spouse willing to sign the tax return? if yes, then you are to file Married-Filing Joint.

If you live with your spouse, why can't you obtain her SS number? who do you live with (spouse?children? others?) please explain the situation. I feel like I am guessing at what is going on.

Re: I don't have access to my spouse social security number

Critter-3 — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 22:51:58 GMT

You can file head of household if you have a qualifying child and you did not live with your spouse for any part of the last 6 months of the year. In the program it first asked for your marital status which is married. Skip the part where it asks for the spouses social security number and continue on to add a qualifying dependent. Once you do that the head of household filing status should be presented to you and you can accept it. At that point you no longer need the spouses social security number. Please follow the interview screens carefully and in order.