Two SSN, one tax year

[Medlin Software, Dennis]

I was discussing the issue of getting a non-original SSN, and the ramifications. In our home, two received a second SSN, but before their work years. (A lifelong PITA, having their original SSN "pop up" from time to time.)

From the employer aspect, my suggestion was not to question the new SSN, as long as the docs look reasonably good, but to just take it, and use it going forward. I would likely issue two W2 forms, one for each SSN, unless I found some regulations to the contrary. (Essentially treat the new SSN as a new "hire".)

Any here had to deal with this, two SSN used in the same tax year?

[Lee B]

I did some years ago and I just reported the employee's w-2 wages for the year with the new SSN.

In the back of my mind, I wondered whether the first number was legitimate?

[Medlin Software, Dennis]

"In the back of my mind, I wondered whether the first number was legitimate?"

I have seen that as well - farm labor. Still easy to buy a good enough looking SS card to get someone through a season or two. What has me thinking is a mid-year change, where say Q1 and Q2 wages were properly reported (state) under one SSN, then Q3 and Q4, to another SSN.

Employers will be reluctant to file "corrected" reports to move wages to the new SSN and will then have to deal with one physical employee with two SSNs for annual federal filing. In the specific discussion, the employee presented docs showing the first SSN was valid through 2022, and a new one valid starting with 2023 (presented in 2024).

 

[BrewOne]

When I was a kid, I lost my Social Security card, so applied for a replacement.  They sent me a card with a new number instead (not real strict standards circa 1966). Never used the second but it is still listed in my Social Security account.

[Pacun]

The correct solution is to issue two W2s and for the tax preparer is to paper file with the new (which is the real SS) and attach both W2s. 

For the employer, the employee can maintain their seniority since that's a separate and internal record.

 

[Lee B]

1 hour ago, Pacun said:

The correct solution is to issue two W2s and for the tax preparer is to paper file with the new (which is the real SS) and attach both W2s. 

 

 

That solution assumes the first SSN was legitimate. What if the second SSN was the only legitimate number?

[ILLMAS]

On 8/27/2024 at 11:10 AM, Medlin Software, Dennis said:

I was discussing the issue of getting a non-original SSN, and the ramifications. In our home, two received a second SSN, but before their work years. (A lifelong PITA, having their original SSN "pop up" from time to time.)

From the employer aspect, my suggestion was not to question the new SSN, as long as the docs look reasonably good, but to just take it, and use it going forward. I would likely issue two W2 forms, one for each SSN, unless I found some regulations to the contrary. (Essentially treat the new SSN as a new "hire".)

Any here had to deal with this, two SSN used in the same tax year?

I have, the fix was to notify the employer the SSA issued a new SS# and to update it on the employees current (keep same wages etc.. under the new SS#) file.  This prevents getting two W-2's at the end of the year.