I am on H1B and have a dependent child who has an ITIN. Can I not claim the child tax credit in 2018 since it needs SSN? Is my child eligible for an SSN now?

[zvacha]

CTC 2018

[Opus 17]

 Whether or not your child is eligible for a Social Security number is outside the scope of this forum. It would depend on your immigration status and other factors, and I can’t even really tell you who to ask. 

 If your child is eligible for a Social Security number, then don’t file a tax return with their ITIN. Apply for the Social Security number and wait for it. If it has not arrived by April 15, file an extension request to extend the deadline to October 15.  Don’t file until you receive the SSN. 

 If your child is eligible for an SSN, and you file without it, or you file with the ITIN, then you cannot go back later to amend with the SSN and claim the credit. The only way to get the credit for your child is to file an on time return with the SSN, where “on time” means by April 15, or by October 15 with an approved extension.