Tax time is upon us. Most of you will be receiving - or already have received - your W-2s from your employer(s), tax information from the IRS and other forms.

It is important that you carefully check your name, Social Security number and all of the data on your W-2s and on your Social Security card. A mismatch could delay your tax refund and cause problems with your Social Security benefits in the future. Such errors should be fixed now.

If you have legally changed your name because of marriage, divorce, a court order, or for any other reason, make sure you change your name with Social Security by applying for a new SS card. Be sure to change your name with your employer as well. If you change with one source but not the other, it could cause your earnings to be recorded incorrectly.

If you are the parent of a newborn, make sure that your baby has a Social Security number, too. Most people apply for their baby's SS card in the hospital at the same time they apply for the birth certificate. If you didn't, you'll need to apply for one in order to claim the child as a dependent on your tax return. The number also will be required if you ever need to apply for government benefits on behalf of the child or your family.

To apply for a Social Security card, all you need to do is complete a one-page application and provide proof of identity, age and citizenship. For a child's first card, you also must submit proof that you are the parent. For a name change, you must

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provide documentation with your old and new names.

For more information on how to get a Social Security card and number for your child, or to get a replacement card, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber

Question and Answer

Q.: My wife and I live in Vermont, but we plan to spend the winter in Florida. My wife will turn 62 while we are in the South.

Can she apply for benefits in Florida, or do we have to wait until we get back home to apply for retirement at our local Social Security office?

A.: Regardless of where you and your wife are living, you can apply for benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoreti re. More than a million retirees have successfully used our online application because it's convenient and secure. If she prefers, your wife can file a retirement benefit application at any Social Security office - including the closest one to you in Florida, or she can call 1-800-772-1213.

Reaching age 65 or full retirement age in 2008? - If you will turn 65 or reach full retirement age in 2008 and have not filed a Social Security or Medicare application, we can provide you with information that will be helpful in determining when to file an application. Mail us the following information:

- Your name.
- Social Security number.
- Estimated 2007 earnings.
- Estimated 2008 earnings.
- Complete mailing address.
- Telephone number (both home and work).
-Date of birth.
- If you plan to retire in 2008, month in which you would.
- Spouse's Social Security number.
- Spouse's date of birth.
- If spouse is deceased, give date of death.

Send it to: Your Social Security, Social Security Administration, 3885 Main St., 3rd Floor, Bridgeport CT 06606. Attn: A. Renzoni. Anthony Renzoni is district manager of the Bridgeport office of the Social Security Administration.

His column appears every Monday.