Line 1: adoptive parents
Last name, first name and social security number for one or two adoptive parents on lines 1a and 1b.
W-7A
Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions
- Agency
- IRS
- Revision
- Rev. October 2017
- Fillable fields
- 23
- Pages
- 1
- Official source
- IRS form page
- Checked
- October 21, 2026
Form W-7A: Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions
Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions, is how adoptive parents apply for an IRS adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN) for a child placed in their home for legal adoption. The instructions describe an ATIN as a temporary nine-digit number for people in the process of legally adopting a U.S. citizen or resident alien child who cannot get a social security number (SSN) for that child in time to file their tax return.
The form says not to file it if you are eligible to obtain an SSN for your adoptive child. The About page points to Form W-7 when the child is not a U.S. citizen or resident alien. The instructions say an ATIN expires 2 years from the date it is issued and that it cannot be used to claim the earned income credit (EIC).
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What's on Form W-7A
Line 2: address
Street address, apartment or rural route number, and city or town, state and ZIP code.
Line 3: child's name
Line 3a holds the name as it will appear on your tax return. Line 3b holds the birth name if different and known.
Line 4: birth information
Date of birth, a female or male box, and place of birth.
Line 5: placement agency
The agency's name and address and the date the child was placed with the adoptive parents.
Signatures
Two signature lines for the parents, each with a date and daytime phone number, under a penalties of perjury statement.
How to fill out Form W-7A
- 1
Line 1
Enter your name and SSN on line 1a and the other adopting person's on line 1b. Married filing jointly: use the order on your tax return. A parent without an SSN enters an ITIN.
- 2
Line 2
Enter the address where you and the child live. Use a P.O. box only if the post office does not deliver to your home. A new address here does not update your IRS record.
- 3
Lines 3a and 3b
Enter the child's adoptive name as it will appear on your tax return, then the birth name if you know it.
- 4
Line 4
Enter the date of birth and sex, and the place of birth if known. For a foreign place, enter city, province or state, and country without abbreviating the country.
- 5
Line 5
Enter the authorized placement agency's name and address and the placement date. The instructions say this may be a private agency, government agency, adoption attorney or other person authorized by state law.
- 6
Sign and attach
Each adopting parent signs and dates. Attach signed and dated documentation showing placement for legal adoption, such as a placement agreement or court order.
The instructions say to complete all lines and enter N/A on lines that do not apply.
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Where to mail it, timing and attachments
Where to send
The instructions give: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Stop 6182, Austin, TX 73301-0066.
When to apply
The instructions say to complete the form at least 4 to 8 weeks before the ATIN is needed, and that it usually takes 4 to 8 weeks to get one.
Checking status
After at least 8 weeks, the instructions say you can call 737-800-5511, which is not toll free, with a copy of your Form W-7A at hand.
Required documents
One of: a placement agreement, a hospital release for legal adoption, a court order approving placement, or an affidavit from the adoption attorney or government official.
Foreign adoptions
For a foreign child with U.S. citizenship or resident alien status, the instructions add a copy of the green card, Certificate of Citizenship, or passport with an I-551 stamp.
Credit timing
The instructions say an ATIN used to claim the child tax credit or additional child tax credit has to be obtained before the return's due date, including extensions.
Related forms
Who files Form W-7A?
The instructions say to file Form W-7A if all four of the conditions below apply. The adoptive parents sign it.
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Questions about Form W-7A
What is an ATIN?
The instructions call it a temporary nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people legally adopting a U.S. citizen or resident alien child who cannot get an SSN for the child in time to file.
How long does an ATIN last?
The instructions say it expires 2 years from the date it is issued, and the IRS sends a reminder notice 3 months before expiration.
Can an ATIN be used for the earned income credit?
No. The instructions say an ATIN cannot be used to claim the earned income credit (EIC).
What happens after the adoption is final?
The instructions say to stop using the ATIN and use an SSN, applied for with Form SS-5 at the Social Security Administration.
How long does it take to get an ATIN?
Usually 4 to 8 weeks, according to the instructions.
What if the child is not a U.S. citizen or resident alien?
The instructions say not to use Form W-7A and to apply for an ITIN with Form W-7 instead.