[KirbyLane]

Hi Guys~

Has anyone filled out their W-7A form? Lucky I just called my agency to ask what to do about getting a social security number and tax time, etc. I was told to download the form from the IRS website which I did but it says it takes 4-8 weeks to get this ID number. However, what if I want to get my taxes done before that??? Anyone have any info on this???

Thanks!

Jackie

PS this form is the Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending US Adoptions FYI

[sarajean]

I had no idea we needed a form! Crap!

[ahfdragonfly]

Ditto to the "Oh Crap!"

Thanks for the tip!
Millie

[sarajean]

I jusy downloaded the form...I think you just have to wait for the # to come back, but it has a phone # to call if it seems to be taking a long time. I wish our agency had given us the heads up about this! Arghhh!

Thanks for the tip, Jackie!

[hlaclair]

My hubby is at the SS office today getting a number for our daughter. While looking for paperwork last night, I found the receipt from them when we applied for Brett's number.

It said the card should arrive within two weeks and if it doesn't, to call them.

Also, I'm not positive, but I *think* you may be able to get the number at the SS office, you just have to wait for the card.

Holly

[Shrken7]

Thank Goodness for this info! I downloaded it today at work. We can claim our children as dependents even if the adoption isn't final, right?

[ahfdragonfly]

For some reason, I thought they had to be in the home for more than 1/2 the year. We make that cut off by 2 or 3 days. Am I right? Anybody else know?

Millie

[mo9398]

I've been trying to remember, but I can't. I do know we couldn't claim the adoption credit until the adoption was final (after 6 months), but I don't remember if we could claim our son or not. We were lucky that he arrived and the adoption was final all in the same year. Good luck and I'll keep looking through my paperwork.

[Shrken7]

Your child must live with you for more than half of the year (6 months 1 day). I found it on a tax law sight. It's new for 2005. 2004 rules didn't mention a residency requirment that I could find. Can anyone guess what 4 letter word I'm thinking???? It rhymes with DUCK! We always have to pay so much every year. I was looking forward to a year that we might just break even .

Ugh,

[dcookie]

Anyone got a URL or IRS publication number handy? I'm not sure what to search for at the INS site.

Our little one isn't home with us yet. Can I apply ahead of time, or do I have to wait 6months+1day before I can get her an SSN?

Thanks,
Sean

[ahfdragonfly]

I think the adoption has to be final, before a SSN. You could be lucky & finalize in '06, so you can claim the expenses on your '06 return. Double check with your agency or tax preparer. (That is one thing I can not wrap my brain around again this year!)Millie

[mo9398]

I can't remember if you can file for a SSN ahead of time or not, but I do know that you can't get one with your child's new name until after the adoption is filed and the name change is official. Also, until the adoption is final, your child isn't a U.S. Citizen so they have to put the disclaimer about not being eligible to work in the U.S. on it...so you'd have to go back and get a new one anyway.

Mo

[dcookie]

Ah, sounds logical. Thanks to both.

[sarajean]

We researched some more about the ATIN (w-7a) and it specifically states NOT to apply for one if you are adopting internationally, that instead you should have enough information about your child from INS to qualify immediately for a SSN. We're heading to the local Social Security offices tomorrow to see what we can find out. I'll let you know what happens!

[Shrken7]

Qualifying Children
To be claimed as a qualifying child, the person must meet four criteria:
Relationship — the person must be your child, step child, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew).


New Tax Changes
Residence — for more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do. (More than half a year means, at minimum, six months and one day.)

Age — the person must be

under age 19 at the end of the year, or
under age 24 and a be a full-time student for at least five months out of the year, or
any age and totally and permanently disabled.
Support — the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year.