I have the 2017 tax return form excluding the child tax credit and I send it to get the ITIN. Can I redo the tax return to include child tax credit once I get the ITIN?

[ghokul-s]

I got a child and she don't have an ITIN or SSN. She just has the passport and H4 visa and she's living with me since March 2017.

Given this situation, Let's say, I have the 2017 tax return form excluding the child tax credit and I send it to get the ITIN. 

And once I get the ITIN on hand, can I redo the 2017 tax return to include child tax credit?

Simply, I'm just looking to see how can I get the child tax credit for 2017.

[CarolynM · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can amend a tax return to claim the child tax credits. 

Once you receive the ITIN, you can file to receive the credits if all of the following conditions are met.

For claim a child as a dependent:

1) be your child (or adoptive or foster child), sibling, niece, nephew or grandchild; 

2) be under age 19, or under age 24 and a fulltime student for at least five months of the year; or be permanently disabled, regardless of age; 

3) have lived with you for more than half the year; and

4) have provided no more than half his or her own support for the year.

For the child tax credit: 

·       Child must be younger than age 17 by December 31 

·       Must by your child (biological, step, adopted or foster); brother or sister; niece, nephew or grandchild 

·       Must provide half their support

·       Must be claimed as your dependent (see Qualifying Child Test)

·       Must be US Citizen, US National or Resident Alien

·       Must live with you more than half the year

For more information about amending tax returns, follow these links: 

 What to Include with Amended Tax Returns 

 How to Amend 

IRS on 1040X

[bine22]

there is a special rule that you will not be eligible for the child tax credit, if you did not have the ITIN at the time of the filing deadline. If you havent filed your return yet, just claim the child tax credit on it