Tax question

edaire

We've had LO since he was 3 days old through a private agency (he's 5 months old now). We were told by our agency that all we needed for tax purposes was placement papers and a letter from the agency that stated that we received an adoptive placement that is not yet finalized, and the fact that he doesn't have a SS # shouldn't matter. We went yesterday to file and H&R Block said we have to get a temp SS # for LO and he won't get a "real one" until after finalization. Went to SS office and they said there is no such thing as a temp SS #. Now we are stuck. Anyone experience this? Advice? Thanks!

bumpuser794640

I think there is something called an adoption tax identification number, maybe check the irs and ssa websites?

MagickalNarwhal

Yeah you need an ATIN. They take a month or two to be issued IIRC.

mommytoconnor

There is no such thing as a temp SS #, you need a temp ID number that is often times assigned by the system, you can ask your adoption worker for this and if you have questions there are great tax specialists that only deal with adoptions.

maryoosa

Right, you need an AITN. And if it makes you feel any better HR Block has no way to use one on any of their paperwork. You have to paper file, with a copy of the AITN from the IRS. I just got hit with this last week.

sewolff

Glad I found out about having to paper file with the ATIN.  As usual we've waited until the last minute to do our taxes.  The IRS was really quick when I applied for the ATIN, took less than a month.