Checking the SSN master file

[joanmcq]

I've got a return that the dependent just won't efile on; SSN isn't matching the master file. Kid has about 4 names and last name is hyphenated. Anyone know how to look it up?

[Julie]

You mean there's a way to look it up? I've always relied on the client for that.

Try this combo while you wait for an intelligent response: first name, skip second (middle) Use first four letters of first surname, then space, then second surname.

I've got a return that the dependent just won't efile on; SSN isn't matching the master file. Kid has about 4 names and last name is hyphenated. Anyone know how to look it up?

[kcjenkins]

First, look at the SS card. Then use the rules for long names. The problem is caused by hyphenated names, or multiple first or last names separated with dashes. The IRS strips these characters from the e-file. To transmit the return, you must remove the extraneous characters from the name field(s). Replace a dash (-) in multiple-part names with a space. In hyphenated names, drop the hyphen. In the Return Manager, update the information under the Returns and E-file tabs to reflect these changes. You will now be able to transmit the e-file(s).

IRS recommends truncating names using the following methods:

Substitute an initial for the second given name.

Omit the second initial of the secondary taxpayer, if necessary.

Omit the second initial of the primary taxpayer, if necessary.

Substitute initials for the secondary taxpayer's given name.

Substitute initials for the primary taxpayer's given name.

While these rules are for the primary and spouse, I think you could use the same logic for a dependant.