What can we do if we filed for state tax for 2006 and could not get back yet?Can we still do something ?

Question

I filed a state tax return for 2006(in Massachussetts).But the IRS asked for my wifes SSN.Since she dose not have it and can not have it,I did not reply the letter.As a result they did not process my tax return.Can I still do something or I should wait for the next year? Thank you.

Answer 1

You did a big mistake by not replying to the letter from IRS. If you filed as Married Filing Jointly, it is necessary to mention both yours and your spouse's social security number. If your spouse does not have social security number, you can get ITIN (Individual Taxpayers Identification Number). To get ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to get an ITIN. Enter the ITIN on your tax return wherever an SSN is requested.

Had you contacted IRS, you would have known this. Also there is a penalty for not providing SSN. Without SSN of your spouse, IRS can only treat you as Single. With filing status Single, your federal tax increases appreciably. If you were expecting refund, the amount will decease or you will end up owing tax to IRS. If you owe IRS, they will add interest and penalty and amount will multiply very fast. (also they may conclude that you tried to cheat). If IRS is delaying in contacting you again, it is not in your best interest.

You must now apply for ITIN for your spouse. File form W-7. You can get the form at
http://www.irs.gov

Also contact IRS without any further delay. The letter you received from IRS will have the contact information. If you don't have the letter, find this from the IRS web site. Provide all information as early as possible so that things are settled.

For future, if IRS contacts you for any thing, don't take it lightly. If they are contacting you about some tax matter, you lose all your rights if you miss the date. This may even result in levy and liens.

Answer 2

If your wife is ineligible for a Social Security Number she needs to apply for an Individual Tax ID number which will suffice for tax return filing.

Answer 3

You could call (there might be a phone number on the letter from them if you still have it) but you might have forfeited your right to the refund by not replying to the letter.