You should have gotten that when you began the childcare arrangements. Now you have a babysitter who may not have expected this or who just does not want to pay tax on their earnings as a childcare provider.
When you use the childcare credit on your tax return you need the SSN or Tax ID of the childcare provider. They can get a Tax ID from the IRS if they --quite understandably-- do not want to give out their SSN.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin
But----if you have asked for the SSN and/or Tax ID and they refuse, here is how you can handle it.
Send your childcare provider a W-10 (Request for Taxpayer Information and Identification Number). You can get a copy of the W-10 by clicking here: W-10 Form & Instructions Complete as much of the form as you can and send it via certified mail (after making copies for yourself).
If the provider does not respond within 10 business days, you can still file your return. However, you won't be able to e-file. Print and mail in your return, along with an explanation and a copy of the W-10 you sent your provider.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
