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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 5:51:53 PM

How to update spouse SSN in place of ITIN. Last year I filed with ITIN number but now have SSN

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24 Replies
Level 9
Jun 4, 2019 5:51:55 PM

Once you receive a SSN, you must use that number for tax purposes and discontinue using your ITIN.  It is improper to use both the ITIN and the SSN assigned to the same person to file tax returns.  It is your responsibility to notify the IRS so they can combine all of your tax records under one identification number.  You can visit a local IRS office or write a letter explaining that you have now been assigned a SSN and want your tax records combined.  Include your complete name, mailing address, and ITIN along with a copy of your social security card and a copy of the CP 565, Notice of ITIN Assignment, if available.  The IRS will void the ITIN and associate all prior tax information filed under the ITIN with the SSN.  Send your letter to: 

     Internal Revenue Service 
     Austin, TX 73301-0057


Returning Member
Apr 20, 2020 1:17:29 PM

What would be the case if you received your spouse SSN and you submit the last return with same ITIN mistakenly. Can we follow the same below process and just write letter to IRS to update or in this case we need to send amendment for last submitted return? Please guide.

Level 3
Apr 21, 2020 9:20:03 PM

This is what I am doing now since both of us had SSNs in 2019 but my filing accidentally included the ITIN. Sending a request to combine the records should retroactively change the filings. 

Normally you could request the change in person at your local IRS office but I sent off the request by mail on Monday.

Level 2
Apr 22, 2020 4:54:57 AM

@JGene I had same situation, please update your status whenever IRS response. On IRS website, they said when they received your request they will automatically combine Ssn to Itin but I afraid that during pandemic , it will take longer than it used to be

Level 3
Apr 22, 2020 6:31:40 PM

Crossing my fingers but my paperwork to the IRS gets delivered on Friday. You can sign into the IRS website and I do see my 2019 filing. I can at least check that independently before they reply to my letter.

New Member
Apr 25, 2020 8:52:41 PM

Hey, How and where can you check the status of your request that was sent through postal?

New Member
Apr 28, 2020 11:18:59 AM

How do we get to know the status of the update. How much time does it take to get it updated with SSN.

Expert Alumni
Apr 28, 2020 12:56:48 PM

If you updated it by filing an amended return, Form 1040X, the normal processing time is 12-16 weeks but processing is currently delayed. 

 

You can track the status here, once the return is received and scanned: Where's My Amended Return?

 

 

@psureshreddyss

Level 3
Apr 30, 2020 4:03:30 PM

My package with the SSN information to the IRS was delivered on Friday April 24 but I haven't heard anything back from them just yet. I still see the ITIN on my filed 2019 tax records so it doesn't look like they've worked on merging the records just yet either.

Level 2
Apr 30, 2020 4:11:57 PM

Like I said, it will take more times. I guess 6-8 weeks

New Member
May 1, 2020 5:21:54 PM

Any update on this, I filed taxes jointly but gave spouse ITIN but I received SSN 2 months forget to update.

Can I send copies directly to IRS or need to amend?

Level 2
May 4, 2020 4:55:05 PM

@Gullu13 Firstly, you have to send the letter including your ITIN AND SSN copied to let IRS know you got SSN, the address was on the top of the topic, about 6-8 weeks they will automatically combine them with your SSN, they will send you the notice when they’ve done. But if you check your tax return for prior years and don’t see the amount changing. So, go ahead and do amend 1040X forms. That will take 16 weeks from the day they got the form. 

Returning Member
May 5, 2020 8:33:34 AM

Can you please provide me the link to track the status online?

Level 2
May 5, 2020 8:54:16 AM

They do not have a link to track status online except you just create IRS account and check your tax return. Or you can go to the link to check your tax return to see new SSN update or not:

https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp

Level 2
May 12, 2020 10:43:42 AM

Hello guys,

 

I have filed by Tax return for 2019 and applied ITIN for my spouse using w7 form at a Tax assistance center. It is done on feb 27, 2020. Around April 27, my spouse is eligible to SSN and applied for SSN and was issued a SSN. My tax return it not processed yet, as it is a Paper filing.

 

What should I do now?

Should I report the new SSN of my spouse to IRS before the ITIN is issued? ( Will they stop issuing ITIN and use SSN for processing in this scenario ?)

Wait for the ITIN to be issued and then report the SSN?

Wait for both ITIN issuance and Tax return processing to be complete and then report the SSN?

 

I could not find answers for this scenario anywhere online and the IRS telephonic lines are not accepting calls for live assistance and TAC's are closed till further notice.

 

Thanks for the help!!

Expert Alumni
May 12, 2020 11:42:12 AM

You could try submitting your tax return with her SSN now - if her SSN is in the database you may even be able to e-file.  If you cannot e-file you can still mail the return in with the SSN to your usual processing location.  

 

When the ITIN office is open, you can ask them to withdraw the application.  

 

A second identical tax return will likely be ignored by the IRS so it won't have any adverse affect for you other than the extra work for you to prepare the second return. 

 

Filing with the SSN could have some benefits for you this year however, particularly in regard to the Economic Impact Payments that are being processed if your income is within the range that is eligible, as tax returns with ITINs disqualify the taxpayer from receiving any payment at all.  

Level 2
May 12, 2020 3:51:48 PM

So it is okay to submit a duplicate tax return and get this processed before paper filing is processed

 

Will there be any issues other than the IRS rejecting one of them

Expert Alumni
May 15, 2020 11:42:07 AM

Yes, it is okay.  The only issue would be as you described, one could be sent back/rejected. Since all of the other information will be the same it shouldn't cause any real issues.

Level 2
Jun 25, 2020 8:40:00 PM

@JGene Did you get the response from IRS for updating your ssn

Returning Member
Jun 25, 2020 8:47:04 PM

I just submitted the documents to irs and status says delivered front desk/Reception/Mail room. Can you please confirm if you received the same status?

Level 3
Jun 30, 2020 9:45:05 PM

No news yet. I did call about a month ago but they said just to sit tight. 

Level 2
Jun 30, 2020 10:34:13 PM

Did they say they got your request to update ssn? I thought around this time they don’t allow us to call

Level 3
Jul 14, 2020 1:45:22 PM

I just called them now and they will send a letter within 30 days about merging the SSN and ITIN. The person I talked to on the phone didn't seem to think the past returns would be updated to replace the ITIN with the SSN, however.

Expert Alumni
Jul 14, 2020 1:53:58 PM

Past returns will not be updated, only the current year return.