05 Feb How can I get my husband’s Social Security number?

Q. How can I get my husband’s Social Security number? He is missing in action and on the run from the law. I need it to file my tax return.
— Wife

A. We’re sorry to hear about your husband.

But we are glad that you’re taking responsibility for your own tax liability.

The first place to look is at any prior tax returns that you may have filed together, said Kenneth Bagner, a certified public accountant with Sobel and Co. in Livingston.

His Social Security number would be on the old returns, he said.

“Also look at paperwork filed out in the past on health insurance, 401(k)s and other account. Those may have his Social Security number,” Bagner said.

But if you’re on your own now, you may want to consider filing a separate tax return.

“A spouse who is married filing separately is not required to provide the Social Security card for the other spouse, although the return cannot be e-filed without the spouse’s Social Security number,” the IRS said. 

Note that you don’t need to provide your spouse’s Social Security number when you file for benefits, but you will need to present certain documentation.

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This story was originally published on Feb. 5, 2021.

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