Question

My baby was born in December, but I still haven’t received her social security number. Do I need an SSN to claim my child as a dependent?

Answer

No. You need a Social Security number (SSN) to claim a dependent. If you don’t have the SSN by the filing due date, you can file for an automatic extension with Form 4868. If you owe any taxes, pay them on or before the due date for your return.

If your baby was born this year, claiming a newborn on taxes is possible even though the baby wasn’t alive most of the year.

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