What if I don't have a Social Security number for my child? she'sless then 1 year old and we currently do not live in the USA .

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 5, 2019
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SweetieJean

Alumni - Champ

Was she born in the USA?

SweetieJean

Alumni - Champ

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf">https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf</a>

hunteritkAuthor

Level 2

No, I moved away before she was born

Opus 17

Level 15

You can't claim a child as a dependent without either an SSN or an ITIN. If she is a citizen and eligible for an SSN, then you can't get an ITIN anyway. You need to apply for an SSN, or skip claiming her as a dependent this year.

And it's more complicated than that. You can't get dependent benefits unless you include her SSN on a "timely filed" tax return. A timely filed tax return is one that is filed before the deadline, including extensions. If you live overseas, you have an automatic 2 month extension, that expires June 15. You can get a further 4 month extension for a total of 6 months, making your tax return due October 15. But to get this extension now, you must apply in writing -- you can't apply electronically -- and you must apply before June 15. Mail your form to the IRS, and use a mail service with tracking and proof of delivery. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-autom...

Then, as long as you get the SSN by October 15, you can file a return and claim your child as a dependent. If you don't get the SSN by October 15, or if you don't get the extension approved before June 15, then there is no way to file a "timely" return with the SSN and you won't be able to list her as a dependent this year.

See your closest US Embassy or Consulate for how to apply for the SSN.