# How tax preparers request a Social Security card from clients

Source: https://dokutrak.com/requests/tax-preparers/ssn-card
Author: Arthur Teboul, DokuTrak
Published: 2026-11-02
Language: en-US

> Ask for a copy of the Social Security card of every person on the return: the client, the spouse and each dependent. You need the name and number exactly as the Social Security Administration has them, because the IRS checks each pair and rejects an e-filed return when a name and number do not match.

## Why tax preparers need a Social Security card

Every person listed on Form 1040 is identified by name and Social Security number, and the IRS matches each pair against Social Security records. A typo, a married name the SSA was never told about, or a child’s number entered from memory leads to a rejected e-file or a lost credit. Dependents matter most: the child-related credits depend on each child having a valid number on the return.

## What exactly to ask for

A copy of the card for the taxpayer, the spouse on a joint return and every dependent being claimed, including a newborn. Front side is enough. If a card is lost, ask for another official document showing the full name and number, and point the client to the SSA for a replacement.

## What to check when it arrives

- The name on each card matches the name you will enter, letter for letter, including after a marriage or divorce.
- There is one card for every person on the return, dependents included.
- Any legend such as “Valid for work only with DHS authorization” is noted, because it can affect some credits.

## Email to send your client

Subject: Social Security cards for everyone on your return

```text
Hi [Client name],

To file your return I need a copy of the Social Security card for each person on it: you, your spouse if we file jointly, and every child or dependent you claim, including a new baby.

The IRS checks each name and number against Social Security records, so even a small difference can stop the return. If your name changed and you are not sure Social Security was updated, please tell me.

Could you send the copies by [date]? If a card is lost, let me know and I will tell you what else we can use.

Thank you,
[Your name]
```

## Ask once. DokuTrak does the chasing.

- Your client uploads from one link, with no account and no password.
- Reminders go out on a schedule, by default 2, 5, 10 and 14 days after the request, until the file arrives.
- With AI review switched on in your workspace (it is off by default), each upload gets a first pass that flags a file that is not a Social Security card or an unreadable or blurry scan. It says so when it is not sure.
- You accept every file or mark it for re-upload, and your client gets the note by email. The AI never accepts a file.

14-day free trial, no card. Add one only to keep going.