🧾 “I Got My SSN — Why Is the IRS Still Confused?”
DACA Tax Record Fixes Most People Miss (2025 Guide)
Many DACA recipients assume that once they receive a Social Security Number (SSN), their tax records automatically reset.
In real EA practice, this misunderstanding causes some of the most persistent IRS refund delays and missing Social Security earnings credits.
This guide explains why ITIN-based tax history does not automatically transfer to your SSN, what the IRS and Social Security Administration actually require, and how to fix the issue before it impacts refunds or retirement benefits.
- 1️⃣ Why DACA tax issues continue even when new approvals are limited
- 2️⃣ What to do immediately after receiving your SSN
- 3️⃣ How to merge ITIN tax records into your SSN (IRS process)
- 4️⃣ The SSA earnings record problem most people overlook
- 5️⃣ Filed last year using an ITIN? What actually needs fixing
- 6️⃣ Common DACA tax questions (answered)
- 7️⃣ Final action checklist
1️⃣ Why DACA tax issues continue even when new approvals are limited
Although new DACA approvals remain restricted, existing recipients continue renewing work authorization, changing employers, and updating records.
That process often triggers the issuance or correction of an SSN — and that’s when IRS and SSA records begin to diverge.
The IRS and Social Security Administration maintain separate databases.
Receiving an SSN does not automatically reconcile prior ITIN filings or earnings history.
2️⃣ What to do immediately after receiving your SSN
- Notify your employer and confirm payroll systems reflect your SSN
- Check your next W-2 carefully for name/SSN accuracy
- Review your earnings in your my Social Security account
- Collect tax returns and W-2s from your ITIN years
- Submit a written IRS request to merge prior ITIN records
- Monitor refund status and IRS notices closely during the transition
A DACA recipient worked under an ITIN for seven years and received an SSN after renewal.
Because no record merge was requested, IRS refunds stalled and SSA earnings credits were missing — issues that required retroactive correction.
3️⃣ How to merge ITIN tax records into your SSN (IRS process)
There is no IRS form to merge ITIN records into an SSN.
Instead, the IRS requires a written request with specific identifying information.
- Full legal name and current mailing address
- Prior ITIN
- Current SSN
- Copy of your Social Security card
- Optional: CP565 (ITIN assignment notice)
📄 IRS Letter: ITIN to SSN Record Merge Request
Mailing Address (USPS)
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
Note: You may also use the general Austin Service Center address:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Austin, TX 73301-0057
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to request that my prior tax records filed under my Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) be associated with and merged into my Social Security Number (SSN).
My information is as follows:
• Full Name: [Your Name]
• Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
• Mailing Address: [Your Address]
• ITIN: [Your ITIN]
• SSN: [Your SSN]
Please update your records accordingly. A copy of my Social Security card is enclosed for verification.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Signature]
[Date]
• Include a copy of your SSN card (do not mail originals).
• Attach CP565 if available.
• Use Certified Mail or another trackable service.
4️⃣ The SSA earnings record problem most people overlook
Even after IRS records are corrected, SSA earnings may remain incomplete.
SSA does not always retroactively credit wages originally reported under an ITIN.
• SSN card
• Government photo ID
• W-2s from ITIN years
• Copies of filed tax returns (Form 1040)
“I previously worked and filed taxes under an ITIN. I now have an SSN and need my earnings record corrected to reflect prior wages.”
5️⃣ Filed last year using an ITIN? What actually needs fixing
An amended return is not always required.
The correct fix depends on when the SSN was issued and whether IRS matching errors occurred.
✔ SSN issued after the filing year → submit record merge letter first
✔ SSN issued during the filing year and IRS notices issued → amendment may be necessary
6️⃣ Common DACA tax questions (answered)
The SSN number generally remains valid, but employment authorization depends on your current immigration status.
No. However, failure to merge records often leads to refund delays, income mismatches, and missing retirement credits.
Yes. SSN requirements for parents and children directly impact CTC and ACTC eligibility under current IRS rules.
7️⃣ Final action checklist
- Confirm payroll and W-2 accuracy
- Send ITIN-to-SSN merge letter
- Review SSA earnings history
- Respond promptly to IRS notices
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This article provides general federal tax information only and does not constitute legal or individualized tax advice.