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hunteritk
New Member

What if I don't have a Social Security number for my child? she'sless then 1 year old and we currently do not live in the USA .

 
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5 Replies

What if I don't have a Social Security number for my child? she'sless then 1 year old and we currently do not live in the USA .

Was she born in the USA?

What if I don't have a Social Security number for my child? she'sless then 1 year old and we currently do not live in the USA .

hunteritk
New Member

What if I don't have a Social Security number for my child? she'sless then 1 year old and we currently do not live in the USA .

No, I moved away before she was born

What if I don't have a Social Security number for my child? she'sless then 1 year old and we currently do not live in the USA .

You can't claim a child as a dependent without either an SSN or an ITIN.  If she is a citizen and eligible for an SSN, then you can't get an ITIN anyway.  You need to apply for an SSN, or skip claiming her as a dependent this year.

And it's more complicated than that.  You can't get dependent benefits unless you include her SSN on a "timely filed" tax return. A timely filed tax return is one that is filed before the deadline, including extensions.  If you live overseas, you have an automatic 2 month extension, that expires June 15.  You can get a further 4 month extension for a total of 6 months, making your tax return due October 15.  But to get this extension now, you must apply in writing -- you can't apply electronically -- and you must apply before June 15.  Mail your form to the IRS, and use a mail service with tracking and proof of delivery. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-autom...

Then, as long as you get the SSN by October 15, you can file a return and claim your child as a dependent.  If you don't get the SSN by October 15, or if you don't get the extension approved before June 15, then there is no way to file a "timely" return with the SSN and you won't be able to list her as a dependent this year.

See your closest US Embassy or Consulate for how to apply for the SSN.

hunteritk
New Member

What if I don't have a Social Security number for my child? she'sless then 1 year old and we currently do not live in the USA .

Thank you so much! that was super helpful!
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