There is a number on my tax reporting document that is located in the field for a Social Security Number, but I either never applied for an SSN/ITIN or the number doesn’t match my actual tax ID. Should I use this number on my tax return?

  • If you never applied for an SSN or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), the number on your 1042-S or W-2 is just a number Harvard has assigned for administrative purposes, and should not be used on your tax return. You should apply for an SSN, or, if ineligible for one, for an ITIN, as soon as possible. The latter can be applied for while completing your tax return, although it is strongly recommended that you do not wait till then to do so.
  • If you now have an SSN or ITIN, you should deliver a copy of the card/letter to our office, and use the SSN/ITIN on your tax return.