Child born abroad 2020 - pending social security number

[yoginitica]

our daughter was born oct 2020, the US embassy was closed and the earliest we could register her was in February. We are still waiting to get her social security number. Should we file prior to the deadline and then amend? is this easy to do? 

[Mike9241]

the federal deadline for 2020 returns is 5/17/2021. however, rather than filing you can get an extension that will give you until 10/15/2021 to file.  if you owe taxes they have to be paid by 5/17.  it's totally up to you as to which option to choose: file now and amend later, wait to see if you get it in time to timely file by 5/17, or extend. 

[DaveF1006]

Yes, according to this IRS link, "if you file your return claiming your daughter as a dependent and don't provide her social security number (SSN) on your return, the IRS will not allow you to claim her as a dependent."

You can file now and leave your daughter off of the return.  You can amend later and it is an easy process to do. If you are working in Turbo Tax online, save this instruction so you are able to emend your return

1. Log into Turbo Tax
2. Once you reach the landing page, scroll down to your tax return and documents. 
3. Select year 2020 and then select Amend (change) 2020 return.
4. There will be some preliminary questions you will answer
5. You will then add your daughter in the My info section of the return.