If you don't file your own taxes, PLEASE Get your SSN card! (and copy it?) [View all]

[nitpicker]

I was spying on the free tax filing "opposition" (AARP) today (I volunteer for VITA) and witnessed a veteran (and his wife) being unable to get help because he had filed with military help last year Because he was no longer on active duty, the post turned him away, and AARP (like VITA) said "newbie, no SSN card, no service".

If you have a SSN card and are afraid of carrying it, copy it and VITA (and presumably AARP and ethical tax preparers) will accept that as proof of SSN (a new IRS requirement for third-party preparers). Remember to do this for ALL your dependents.

If you lost the SSN card:

Go online at home or at the library to download your IRS forms:

https://apps.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/formsPublications.html

and fill them out yourself.

It's a bit late to go to the local SSA office for this year's filing (to get cards in time), but do it anyway so you can get free help next year (if your household income is under =$55K).