Frequently Asked Tax Questions And Answers
Keyword: Foster Child
2.3 Filing Requirements/Status/Dependents/Exemptions: Dependents & Exemptions
Parents in the process of a domestic U. S. adoption who do not have and/or are unable to obtain the child's Social Security Number (SSN) should request an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) in order to claim the child as a dependent and (if eligible) to claim the child care credit. Form W-7A (PDF), Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions, is used by qualifying taxpayers to obtain an ATIN. To get Form W-7A, you may go to any IRS walk-in site or call 1-800-829-3676. You may also download the form here in Adobe PDF format. For more information about the ATIN, refer to the Form W-7A (PDF), instructions.
If the child is not a U. S. citizen or resident, use Form W-7 (PDF), Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to obtain an ITIN. For more information, refer to Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
References:
- Form W-7 (PDF), Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Form W-7A (PDF), Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending Adoptions
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information