Important Reminders

Relief from joint liability. In some cases, one spouse may be relieved of joint liability for tax, interest, and penalties on a joint tax return. For more information, see Relief from joint liability under Joint Return.

Social security numbers for dependents. You must include the taxpayer identification number (generally the social security number) of every person for whom you claim an exemption. See Exemptions for Dependents under Exemptions, later.

Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IRS will issue an ITIN to a nonresident or resident alien who does not have and is not eligible to get a social security number (SSN). To apply for an ITIN, Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, must be filed with the IRS. It usually takes about 30 days to get an ITIN. The ITIN is entered wherever an SSN is requested on a tax return. If you are required to include another person's SSN on your return and that person does not have and cannot get an SSN, enter that person's ITIN.

Change of address. If you change your mailing address, be sure to notify the Internal Revenue Service using Form 8822, Change of Address. Mail it to the Internal Revenue Service Center for your old address. (Addresses for the Service Centers are on the back of the form.)

Change of name. If you change your name, be sure to notify the Social Security Administration using Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card.

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