Personal Public Service (PPS) Number: Phasing out of W numbers

Before 2000, when some women got married they had to use the same PPS Number as their husband, but with a W at the end of the number. This W number was issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to identify spouses in a jointly assessed relationship. The W number was linked to the PPS Number of the assessable spouse. This is the term used in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners for the spouse who is charged taxation on the income of both spouses.

These numbers are being phased out. W numbers have not been issued since 1999.

If your PPS Number is the same as your husband’s PPS Number but the last letter is W, you must get a new PPS Number in these circumstances:

• if your spouse is deceased
• if you are divorced or separated
• if you were issued with a Social Insurance number before 1979

If you have a PPS Number ending with W and you cannot access the Local Property Tax online system using this number, you may need to request a new number.

If you were issued a PPS Number after 1979 and before you married, the Department of Social Protection may re-issue you with your original PPS Number on request.

If you are changing your W number for a new PPS Number, you do not need to go through the normal application process.

To get your new PPS Number or to be re-instated with your old PPS Number, contact Client Identity Services.

When you get your new PPS Number from the Department of Social Protection, you should inform any organisations that may hold your old PPS Number.

These may include:

• your employer
• your bank
• the National Driver Licence Service
• the HSE
• Office of the Revenue Commissioners

You can inform the Office of the Revenue Commissioners using their online form or contact your local tax office.