@US family in Canada wrote:
@xmasbaby0 and @Critter-3
Thank you so much for the replies. I appreciate your help... here is some more information to address your thoughts.
I have called the SSA offices a couple times and tried to facilitate a in person application at the US Consulate here in Canada, but they wouldn't accept that plan, even with the Covid circumstances. They will accept it by mail, however my wife and I do not at all feel comfortable mailing our 'original' passports and other documentation. That is beyond our risk tolerance...
Fortunately, we don't actually need the $2000 deduction as our taxes zero out when considering the foreign tax credits we pay up here in Canada. We prefer not to file and then amend... but if it is easy and free, that sounds like the best plan.
If you have any other thoughts/advice... please do share.
Unfortunately, as part of some fraud prevention measures enacted in 2015, you can't get tax credits for a dependent unless they have an SSN when you file an on-time return. This year, "on time" means July 15, or October 15 but only if you already applied for an extension before July 15. If you file an amended return later, after the SSN is issued, you can't get the missing tax credits.
