Some married troops cannot get rebate checks

[rainbow4321]

I don't know what sucks more, this problem or the IRS's solution: file separately and then pay more taxes and lose deductions...and then their kids may not even count in getting the rebate if THEY don't have a SS #... Way to support the troops, guys. I'm assuming it would also include any US troop married to someone w/o a SS # in any country, not just Japan.


http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/04/army_rebate_041208w/


If you are filing a joint tax return with a spouse who does not have a valid Social Security number, you cannot receive the economic stimulus rebate of up to $1,200 per married couple, plus $300 per qualifying child, according to IRS regulations.

“Here in Japan, there are large numbers of members married to non-U.S. citizens” who have Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, not Social Security numbers, Navy Master Chief Fire Controlman Robert Collins wrote in an e-mail.

According to the IRS, the law does not allow people who file a return that includes an ITIN to receive the stimulus payments. There is a possible solution: The member could file a separate return under “married filing separately” status. He then could qualify for an economic stimulus rebate, but that would be based on income, deductions and credits, Fenton said.


<snip>

There is an additional wrinkle: To qualify for the rebate of $300 per child, the child must have a valid Social Security number.

[TomInTib]

1. What a bunch of crap. My sons never had SSNs.

I just didn't believe in it.

Cost me a few dollars over the years, though.

But this deal is outrageous.

[InkAddict]

2. I may have had my identity stolen by an incompetent lender who

played fast and loose with documentation. I've had to confirm my ITIN (SS#) twice in the past year; I hope they finally got it right or maybe I no longer exist at a certain plane. Funny, I was able to vote and all....