My reviews said "The Child Tax Credit amounts can be increased in future years with addition of SSnr for your dependents." My kids have ITINnr. How would SSnr effect?

[DMarkM1]

The difference could be up to $1500 per child. 

A child must have a social security number to be eligible for the Child Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit per IRS instructions.  The Child Tax Credit is a $2000 non-refundable credit.  That means the credit amount cannot exceed your tax bill.  However, if your tax bill is only 600 you would get $600 for the Child Tax Credit, but then $1400 for the additional Child Tax Credit to make up the difference.

Here is a link with more information on the Child Tax Credit.

With an ITIN you get the $500 refundable credit for other dependents.  

See the paragraph "How do I get a TIN" in this link. 

[Opus 17]

If your child has an SSN, they are eligible for the $2000 child tax credit instead of the $500 credit for "other dependent."  Also, for 2020 only, a child with an SSN is eligible for a recovery rebate of up to $1100.

If your children are eligible for SSNs, don't file until you get them.  You can't amend later to claim the extra money after you get the SSNs, the law blocks that.  You must have the SSNs when you file an "on time" tax return.  A return can be "on time" if you file as late as October 15, as long as you filed the form 4868 automatic extension before April 15.  If your children are eligible for SSNs, you will need to file the extension form and then apply for their SSNs, and wait until you get them.

[jakobsson]

Then I wonder why we have not obtained SS number for our children. We moved here in August 2019, our children have Swedish passports. Can it matter? How can they get SS no?

[Opus 17 · Accepted solution]

---

@jakobsson wrote:

Then I wonder why we have not obtained SS number for our children. We moved here in August 2019, our children have Swedish passports. Can it matter? How can they get SS no?

---

It depends on your immigration status.  And your children don't get it automatically, you have to apply for them.   Generally speaking, if you are a green card holder (permanent resident) and have your own SSN that is valid for employment, then your children are probably eligible for SSNs as well.  If you are here on a temporary visa, your children may not be eligible.  

I don't know all the rules, you may need to ask at the social security office or contact an immigration lawyer for advice.  

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf

https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/

@pk do you have something short and pithy that will help here?  I can't find much that is directly helpful in a quick google search.

[Opus 17]

Here's a couple of other links,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/claiming-a-non-citizen-spouse-and-children-on-your-taxes...

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf

Social security number (SSN). Generally, you can get an SSN if you have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or under other immigration catego- ries that authorize U.S. employment.

To apply for a new SSN, you must submit Form SS-5 and the required documents in per- son at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You can download Form SS-5 at SSA.gov/forms, call the SSA at 800-772-1213 or go to your local SSA office. For more infor- mation, go to Social Security Number and Card .