How can I apply ITIN for my kid considering IRS office is closed?

[wlzhangking]

IRS is closed for months and still not sure when it will resume.

Since ITIN application for my kid could be only available in personal visit to IRS office, and normal takes 2 month long to be approved? Given such situation, How can I do to apply the INIT and file 1040 in time? The due date is July 15, may not have enough time to get ITIN ready before CA tax file either. 

Anyone has good idea?  Many thanks!

[SusanY1 · Accepted solution]

You have a few options:

• Complete your tax return and Form W-7 with the assistance of a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) near you.  You can find a list of these here: IRS Acceptance Agent Program.  You could then forward your tax return with the application attached together now, and your return will be considered timely filed.  (However, to be safe I would still recommend filing an extension on Form 4868)
• File an extension of time to file your tax return - again this is done with Form 4868 for your federal return.  No form is required for California. This extends your due date to file until October 15, 2020.  If you owe any tax, you should still submit your payment by July 15, 2020 using Form 1040-V which would be part of your prepared tax return.
• File your return without the dependent listed, and amend the return later on Form 1040X to add your dependent once the IRS resumes processing and receive an additional refund at a later time. 

[wlzhangking]

Many thanks Susan! You comments are really helpful.

I have a few questions, could you please help to clarify:

1: In option 2 to File an extension, no file for CA is required, so how CA know I have applied extension alreeady and will not charge me late fee?

2: In option 1, in case I get ITIN later than July 15, how can I file CA tax return without ITIN before July 15? I plan to file CA tax alone online by e-filing, but not sure if it is available without ITIN by July 15.

I will talk with CAA first then determin if to file an extension, thanks again for your great help.