I cannot complete my joint income tax return unless the space for the SSA-1099-SM Payer ID number is filled. The form I have doesn't provide the information. Please advise. Plan B is to call the SSA 1-800 number.
Are you entering it in the correct category? It shouldn't ask for a payer. Be sure you are not entering it in the W-2 or 1099-R section by mistake.
See this FAQ about entering Social Security 1099 forms:
You do not enter a SSA-1099 in the section for a Form 1099-R or in the section for a W-2.
To enter Social Security benefits reported on form SSA-1099
Or enter ssa-1099 in the Search box located in the upper right of the program screen. Click on Jump to ssa-1099
If it's asking for an EIN number you are entering it in the wrong place. There is no EIN on social security SSA-1099.
Try going to the search box and type in SSA-1099 or Social Security Benefits. That will give you a Jump To link to take you directly to it.
OR
Enter a SSA-1099, SSA-1099-SM or RRB-1099 under
Federal Taxes on the left side or top
Wages and Income
Then scroll down to Retirement Plans and Social Security
Social Security (SSA-1099. RRB-1099) - click the Start or Revisit button