The IRS Economic Stimulus Bill payments have been a hot news item recently, but maybe as the tax filing deadline approaches, you have other concerns. If your questions are about tax liability or whether voluntary withholding is for you, don't call us. You see, we are not allowed to give advice or information about tax questions. This is just not our area of expertise. For questions such as these, you should call IRS at (800) 829-1040 or check its website, www.irs.gov.
Social Security does offer several services, however, that will be helpful during your dealings with the IRS. You can request a replacement form SSA 1099 in person, by telephone or, easier yet, at our website, www.socialsecurity.gov. If you request it online, we will mail it to you in about 10 days.
Suppose you've just finished your taxes and you found you owe the IRS. Social Security can assist with next year's filing by withholding taxes from your Social Security benefits. In order to do this, you must complete, sign and submit a form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request, to SSA. You can pick this simple form up in person, request it by phone or use the "Forms for Other Agencies" link at www.
socialsecurity.gov to download and print it. Withholding must be done in certain specified percentages of your benefit amount: 7, 10, 15 or 25 percent. You cannot choose a different percentage, and you cannot have a set dollar amount withheld. If you choose to have a percentage withheld, you can change the percentage or discontinue withholding completely at any time.
If you need other information regarding taxes, be sure to check out our website under "Frequently Asked Questions." In the drop-down box, look for the heading "Taxes and Social Security." There is a wealth of helpful information here with links to other resources as well.
If you still cannot find the information you need, give us a call at (800) 772-1213 or 433-0171, and we will assist in getting the answers you need.
Kemp Baratier is district manager for the Social Security Administration in Oneonta.
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