If my wife/spouse's SSN got breached, would it be better to file with the old SSN or after getting a new SSN from the SS office? Thanks for the help!

[bebadboy15]

My spouse's former employer just notified her (Jan. 27, 2021) that the last 4 digit of her SSN was breached. What would be the best timing for filing our taxes this year? After getting a new SSN or would it be ok with an old one?

[BillM223 · Accepted solution]

Please read this link How to Get an Identity Pin from the IRS.

An IP PIN is a 6 digit code that is mailed to you through the Post Office or is given to you online after you have identified yourself fully. The presumption is that the person who stole your Social Security number would not have a way to get access to this number as well.

When you file, you will be asked if you have an IP PIN. If you have one, you MUST enter it in order to e-file successfully. Note that there is a new IP PIN each year.

The program has changed a little since I last dealt with it (I believe it is now open to all taxpayers, not just taxpayers who file Identity Theft claims), so read that link and related links carefully.

And was the entire SS number stolen or just the last four digits? A thief can't use the number to file unless they have all 9 digits.

Also, the first person to file with an SS number wins, so don't wait too long to file.

[Opus 17]

You can only file a tax return with the correct current Social Security number, even if it may have been compromised. You can either file now with the old number, or wait to file until after the Social Security administration has issued a new number.

Getting an identity protection pin is a very good idea. However, some additional comments. If an IP pin is issued, it won’t be effective for the 2020 tax season. It would be effective starting the 2021 season, and the pin is mailed to you in December of each year. The pin changes every year, and once you are in the system as having one, you will receive a new pin every December and you must use the new pin when you file.  So it can be a bit of a burden to have one.  Previously, the IRS would only issue IP pins to people who were proven victims of identity theft. Currently, the IRS is rolling out an IP pin opt-in program, and taxpayers from the states that are currently under the program can opt in even if they have not been victims of identity theft. I don’t think the entire country is opt-in yet.

[bebadboy15]

This is super informative thank you again. Luckily it was the last four digits only at the moment, so for the precautionary purpose, we're also closing her old bank account and creating a new account tomorrow ASAP.