Dependents

[Papaof3]

We have 3 small children,  ages 6  4 and 2   we elected not to get SSN for them initially, but with the passage of all the child tax credits, we applied and received them this year. Am I able to amend my past returns to add dependent status?

[KrenaS]

You may not claim your child(ren) as qualifying child(ren) for the Child Tax Credit / Additional Child Tax Credit on either your original or an amended return if the child does not have a SSN before the due date of the return (including extensions), even if the child later gets an SSN.  Similarly, you may not claim your child(ren) as qualifying child(ren) for the Earned Income Credit on either your original or an amended return if your child doesn't have an SSN on or before the due date of your return (including extensions), even if your child later gets an SSN.