Question

Elliott and Elena are a married couple with a young son, James. They’ve asked Joshua to prepare their tax return. As part of his interview process, Joshua requests their Social Security cards. Elliott and Elena have their cards, but they have lost James’ card. They give Joshua a Social Security number they think is right to use for their son. What should Joshua do?

a) Use the number they supplied for James since the couple thinks it is the right number.

b) Inform his clients that he must have the Social Security card to complete the return.

c) Inform his clients that the Social Security number must be verified before completing and filing the return.

d) Inform his clients that he can prepare the return based on a temporary ITIN for James while they are getting the Social Security card replaced.

Answer 1

Option (c) is correct. Joshua should Inform his clients that the Social Security number must be verified before completing and filing the return. Social Security card is not necessary but the verified Social security number is necessary.

Option (a) is incorrect. Joshua cannot use the number they supplied for James just because the couple thinks it is the right number.

Option (b) is incorrect. Verified social security number and not a social security card is must to complete the return.

Option (d) is incorrect. Social security number is must if the child is to be claimed as a dependent in the tax return.

Please up vote. Thanks!