What This Notice Means

This is good news. The IRS approved your application and assigned your child an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN).

An ATIN is a temporary number for a child in a pending U.S. adoption. It lets you identify the child to the IRS before the child has a Social Security number (SSN).

What to Do Now

Keep this notice with your adoption and tax records. Use the ATIN where you need to identify the child to the IRS until the child has an SSN.

What to Do When You Get the SSN

Once your child receives an SSN, complete Form 15101, Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for Adoptive Child. The form comes with your notice.

Send it one of two ways:

  • Through the IRS Document Upload Tool.
  • By fax to the number on your notice. If you use an online fax service, understand its privacy and security policies first.

If you have questions, call the number on your notice.

How Long the ATIN Lasts

An ATIN is valid for 2 years. If you still don't have an SSN for your child when it runs out, you can request a 1-year extension. The instructions for Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions, explain the details.

Put the expiration on your calendar. The IRS sends reminder notices as the expiration date gets close, but you shouldn't count on catching the mail.

Tips

  • Start the SSN process as soon as you're able to, so you aren't relying on the ATIN longer than necessary.
  • Make sure the IRS has your current address so you receive future notices about the ATIN.
  • Keep copies of everything you send.

If you have questions about an IRS notice involving your family's taxes, call us at (813) 229-7100.