[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":7},["ShallowReactive",2],{"faq-standard-24":3},{"rec_id":4,"title":5,"text":6},"24","Can I file a tax return if I don't have a Social Security number (SSN), ITIN, or ATIN for my child?","If you file a paper return, the IRS may reduce or disallow any tax benefits (such as the \u003Ci>Earned Income Credit\u003C/i>, or \u003Ci>Child Tax Credit\u003C/i>) based on the dependent. To claim a child as a dependent, you need to have a Social Security Number, ITIN, or ATIN for that child. If you don't, the IRS will reject your \u003Cspan style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">e-filed\u003C/span> return. If you file a paper return, the IRS might reduce or deny any tax benefits (like the \u003Ci>Earned Income Credit\u003C/i>, or \u003Ci>Child Tax Credit\u003C/i>) based on the dependent. \n\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\nIf you need a Social Security number for your dependent, visit \u003Ca href=\"https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/\"target=\"_blank\">ssa.gov\u003Cspan class=\"append_external\" style=\"margin-right:4px;\"> \u003C/span>\u003C/a>to learn how to get one. \n\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\nIf you need an ITIN for your dependent, go to \u003Ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number\"target=\"_blank\">irs.gov\u003Cspan class=\"append_external\" style=\"margin-right:4px;\"> \u003C/span>\u003C/a>to download a \u003Ci>Form W-7\u003C/i> to file with the IRS to obtain an ITIN. If you're filing your federal return before the due date, you can \u003Ca href=\"/freefile2025/answers?faq=11491\">apply for an ITIN\u003C/a> for your dependent while filing your return.\n\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\nIf you need an ATIN as a temporary identification number for a child you are in the process of adopting and you're not yet able to get a Social Security number, go to \u003Ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/individuals/adoption-taxpayer-identification-number\"target=\"_blank\"> irs.gov\u003Cspan class=\"append_external\" style=\"margin-right:4px;\"> \u003C/span>\u003C/a>to download \u003Ci>Form W-7A\u003C/i> to file with the IRS to obtain an ATIN.\n\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\nIf the filing date is approaching and you still haven't received a Social Security Number, ITIN, or ATIN, you may want to consider filing an extension with \u003Ci> Form 4868\u003C/i>.",1777391526648]