Social Security Number and TAX Identification Number

Social Security Number

The Social Security Act of 1935 established a national social insurance plan to provide economic security to the nation's workers. If you are authorized to work in USA, you need a SSN. This is a 9 digit unique number. Social security TAXES will be deducted from your pay check directly.

How to apply for SSN?

SSN is very important one in US. Your employer will help you to obtain the SSN. Without SSN, you can't work in US. You need to go to the Social Security office in your city in person, they will check your VISA & Passport and will send the Social security card by mail. Keep this card in safe like your passport.

How does a non-citizen obtain a Social Security number to get a drivers license?

Effective March 1, 2002, the Social Security Administration will no longer assign Social Security Numbers when the sole reason for needing an SSN is to comply with a State statute that requires an SSN for issuance of a driver's license.

SSA will continue to issue SSNs to aliens who are not otherwise eligible for SSNs for the following nonwork purposes: A Federal statute or regulation requires that the alien provide his/her SSN to get the particular benefit or service; or A State or local law requires the alien to provide his/her SSN to get general assistance benefits to which the alien has established entitlement.

If You Need SSN for Tax Purposes, What Should You Do?

Beginning July 1, 1996, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began assigning Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to noncitizens who need to report income for tax purposes but who are not eligible for Social Security numbers

To apply for an ITIN, you need to contact the IRS and ask for Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can contact IRS by: Calling the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040; or Accessing the IRS web site at: http://www.irs.gov; or Calling or visiting any local IRS office; or Writing them at: IRS, ITIN Unit, P.O. Box 447, Bensalem, PA 19020

I have worked and paid Social Security taxes while living in the U.S. Since I am not eligible to receive Social Security benefits, can I have a refund of the taxes I paid?

The law does not permit a refund of Social Security taxes. However, you may be eligible to receive U.S. Social Security benefits as a result of a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and your resident country. These agreements help many people who, without the agreement, would not be eligible for monthly retirement, disability or survivors benefits under the Social Security systems of one or both countries. These agreements also help people who would otherwise have to pay taxes to both countries on the same earnings. You may access information about the agreements between the United States and other countries from the following Internet Web Site

Social Security benefits - TAXES

If you are not a U.S. citizen or a resident, Federal income taxes will be withheld from your benefits. The tax is 30 percent of 85 percent of your benefit amount.

It will be withheld from the benefits of all nonresident aliens, except those who reside in countries which have tax treaties with the U.S. that do not permit taxing of U.S. Social Security benefits (or provide for a lower tax rate). The U.S. has such treaties with Canada, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Romania, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (defined as England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). In addition, the Social Security benefits paid to individuals who are citizens and residents of India are exempt from this tax to the extent that their benefits are based on Federal, State or local government employment. (This list of countries may change from time to time.)

How do I change my name on my Social Security card?

To change the name shown on your card, you need to complete Form SS-5 which is available for download at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html and submit evidence of your identity. Or you can obtain Form SS-5 by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. These services are free. Download form.

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