We are in the process of adoption

[Familyman0409]

We are in the process of adopting a baby born on 12/16/2025. we have had him since he left the hospital on 12/18. We have an adoption placement certificate. the paper work has been filed in the local courts. we are waiting on  a date to finalize it. Can we file him on our taxes this tax season?  whats the best way to go about it. we dont have a social number yet. im sure i can get the tax identification number though. thanks alot.

[MonikaK1 · Accepted solution]

If the child was legally placed with you pending adoption, and you can at least get an adoption taxpayer ID number or an Individual taxpayer ID number by the due date of your return, then you may qualify for the Credit for Other Dependent. For the Child Tax Credit, you would needs a Social Security Number.

This IRS webpage includes an answer to a situation like yours:

As a prospective adoptive parent in the process of adopting a U.S. citizen or resident, you'll need a taxpayer identifying number (TIN) for the child who is being adopted to claim the child as a dependent. If you don't have and are unable to obtain the child's Social Security number (SSN), you should request an adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Please note that an ATIN will expire 2 years after the date of issue.

• An ATIN is available if a child who is a U.S. citizen or resident is lawfully placed in your household for legal adoption. To obtain an ATIN, use Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. For more information, refer to the Instructions for Form W-7A PDF PDF and to Adoption taxpayer identification number.
• If the child isn't a U.S. citizen or resident, and if the child qualifies as a dependent, a TIN is still required. To obtain an ITIN, use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. For more information, refer to Individual taxpayer identification number.

Please note that you may not claim the child tax credit on either your original or an amended return if your child doesn't have an SSN valid for employment before the due date of your return (including extensions). If your child has an ATIN or an ITIN, your child may qualify you for the credit for other dependents.

[Familyman0409]

Thank you so much. Didnt change nothing on my taxes by filing as other. So if we get a ssn before the the April 15th tax day deadline then i can amend the taxes and add the child and get the child tax  credit?

[Karis_F]

If you are able to get the child's social security number by the original filing deadline of April 15, 2026 or by the extended deadline of October 15, 2026, you can file your original tax return to include the child as a dependent and claim the child tax credit since you adopted him before the end of 2025.

If you have already filed your 2025 tax return, you can amend the return when you obtain the child's social security number to include him as a dependent and claim the credit.

[Familyman0409]

Thanks so much.  We have an adoption  placement  certificate  for right now pending the court date. Which should be finalized sometime in the next month or so.should be getting a ssn number soon im sure.