If you’re hunting for your Social Security number, check these obvious spots first: your Social Security card (the flimsy piece of paper you probably shoved in a drawer), your W-2 from work, or any tax return from the last century. I once found mine wedged inside a library book—true story. If you’ve lost the card itself, don’t panic. You can order a replacement for free at the Social Security Administration website. Just be prepared to wait six to twelve weeks, which is almost as long as a season of your favorite Netflix show.
Pro tip: Never carry your SSN card in your wallet. That’s like walking around with a sign that says, “Please steal my identity!” Keep it in a safe place, ideally behind a painting of a clown you hate. The clown will guard it through sheer creepiness.
Providing Evidence of Your US Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN
