I am adopting a child and do not yet have a social security number for the child. How can I claim the tax exemption on my tax return?

If you are in the process of a domestic U.S. adoption and you do not have or are unable to obtain the soon to be adopted child's Social Security Number (SSN) you should request an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) in order to claim the soon to be adopted child as a dependent on your tax return and (if eligible) to claim the child care tax credit.

To get Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending Adoptions you may call 1-800-829-3676.

Related tax information about adopting a child

Tax Directory Topics:
Dependent Tax Issues
Adoption Tax Credit
Child Care Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Tax Exemptions

IRS publications about adopting a child:
For more information about the ATIN, refer to IRS Publication 968,

Tax Benefits for Adoption and see the ATIN program at the IRS's web site. Also see IRS Publication 17,

Your Federal Income Tax. Please read this IMPORTANT Editor's Note regarding navigating IRS publications with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
IRS publications can also be ordered by calling 1-800-829-3676.

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