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Official form guide
Form 15101: Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for Adoptive Child
Internal Revenue Service Form 15101 is used to report the Social Security Number for an adoptive child after the IRS has issued an ATIN. Adoptive parents complete it and mail it to the IRS Austin, TX 73301-0066.
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IRS Form 15101 - Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for Adoptive Child
Internal Revenue Service Form 15101 is used to report the Social Security Number for an adoptive child after the IRS has issued an ATIN. Adoptive parents complete it and mail it to the IRS Austin, TX 73301-0066.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the form without the child's Social Security Number is the most critical error.
- 2Leaving the child's Social Security Number blank on the form.
- 3Omitting the ATIN that was previously assigned to the child.
- 4Failing to include printed names of both adoptive parents.
- 5Leaving one or both adoptive parents' signature lines empty.
Plain English
Form 15101 tells the IRS the new SSN for your adopted child. It is only for parents who already have an ATIN from the IRS. After you get the SSN, you fill out the form and send it to the IRS.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2017-10-25 18:00:16
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you have received the child’s Social Security Number and the IRS previously assigned an ATIN for that adoptive child.
- Do not use it when you need to obtain a Social Security Number for the child; only the SSA can assign an SSN.
- Check Form SS-5 instead when you need to apply for a Social Security Number for the adoptive child.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to obtain SSN for adoptive child
SSA issues SSNs, not the IRS; filing the correct form prevents delays
✓ Confirm you have the child’s adoption finalization documents
IRS assigned ATIN but adoption not final
Form 15100 requests an ATIN; filing it for an SSN is improper
✓ Verify you need an ATIN, not an SSN
SSN received and ready to report to IRS
Provides the IRS with the child’s SSN after adoption finalization
✓ Ensure the SSN is accurate before submission
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
ATIN field
Assigned Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number · IRS notice assigning ATIN
SSN field
Social Security Number issued by SSA · SSA’s SSN card or approval letter
Adoptive parents' signatures
Printed name and signature of each adoptive parent · Signature lines on the form
Contact information section
Current mailing address and phone numbers · Taxpayer’s address records
Name and Taxpayer Identification Number
Parent’s legal name and SSN or ITIN · Tax return or IRS records
Before you submit
- 1Verify the ATIN is entered exactly as assigned
- 2Enter the child’s Social Security Number exactly as issued
- 3Print both adoptive parents’ names in the signature area
- 4Sign and date the form for each adoptive parent
- 5Provide current mailing address, city, state, and ZIP code
- 6Include primary and secondary telephone numbers with best call times
- 7Confirm the form revision date reads Rev. 10-2017
- 8Do not attach Form 15100 or any unrelated documents
- 9Mail the completed form to IRS Austin, TX 73301-0066
- 10Retain a copy of the signed form for your records
How to file this form
- 1Gather the ATIN and the child’s Social Security Number
- 2Complete Form 15101 with the required fields
- 3Print both parents’ names, sign, and date the form
- 4Mail the completed form to Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0066
- 5Keep a copy of the mailed form and any mailing receipt as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Form 15101 cannot be used to obtain a Social Security Number for the child
- 2Do not continue using an ATIN after the adoption is final
- 3The form is not applicable when the IRS has not issued an ATIN for the child
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 15101 is the Rev. 10-2017 edition. The instructions direct users to www.irs.gov/w7a for the latest developments after publication.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows Rev. 10-2017
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — confirm you mail to Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0066
- Signature — confirm both adoptive parents sign and date the form
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Store the signed copy of Form 15101 in your permanent records
- 2Wait for the IRS to update its records with the child’s SSN
- 3If the SSA denies the SSN application, contact the IRS to request an ATIN extension or reactivation
- 4Include the SSA denial letter with any follow‑up correspondence to the IRS
- 5If an error is discovered, submit a corrected Form 15101 with updated information
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — mailing address listed as Internal Revenue Service Stop 6182 Austin, TX 73301-0066
- SRCForm p.2 — purpose statement: use Form 15101 only to inform IRS of SSN if IRS provided an ATIN
- SRCForm p.2 — caution: do not file Form 15100 to obtain an SSN; only SSA can assign an SSN
- SRCForm p.2 — after adoption final, apply for SSN using Form SS-5
- SRCForm p.2 — if SSN application denied, contact IRS to request ATIN extension or reactivation
- SRCForm p.2 — where to file: Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0066
- SRCForm p.2 — future developments link to www.irs.gov/w7a for latest information
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
Common confusion points
Do I file this form to get an SSN?
Many think the IRS issues SSNs, but only the SSA can assign them.
→ Verify you already have an SSN before using Form 15101
Can I use Form 15100 instead?
Form 15100 is for requesting an ATIN, not an SSN.
→ Check the purpose of each form before filing
Which mailing address should I use?
The form lists a standard address and an overnight address, causing uncertainty.
→ Use the standard address: IRS Austin, TX 73301-0066
Do I need to list both phone numbers?
The form provides fields for primary and secondary numbers, but some omit the secondary.
→ Fill both fields or leave secondary blank if not applicable
Is a signature from only one parent enough?
Both adoptive parents are required to sign.
→ Ensure both parents sign and date the form
What if I don’t have an ATIN?
The form is only for children who already have an ATIN.
→ Do not file Form 15101 without an ATIN; use other forms as needed
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 15101 — contact IRS to request ATIN extension or reactivation after SSN denial
Questions about IRS Form 15101
What is IRS Form 15101 used for?
Form 15101 tells the IRS the new SSN for your adopted child. It is only for parents who already have an ATIN from the IRS. After you get the SSN, you fill out the form and send it to the IRS.
Who must file IRS Form 15101?
Adoptive parents who have received an ATIN for their child and now have a Social Security Number must file IRS Form 15101.
What information does IRS Form 15101 require?
The form collects the child's SSN, the child's name, the ATIN previously assigned, and the adoptive parents' names, Taxpayer Identification Numbers, signatures, and dates.
Where do I file IRS Form 15101?
Mail or fax the completed Form 15101 to the Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0066 (standard mail) or fax (855) 250-1731.
How do I complete IRS Form 15101?
First, fill in the contact section with both parents' names, TINs, and address. Next, indicate that you have received the child's SSN, provide the child's name and ATIN. Then each adoptive parent prints their name, signs, and dates the form. Finally, mail or fax the form to the IRS address listed on the form.
What happens if IRS Form 15101 is filed incorrectly?
Submitting incorrect or incomplete information can prevent the IRS from linking the SSN to the ATIN, causing delays or loss of tax benefits tied to the adoption.
Do I file this form to get an SSN?
Many think the IRS issues SSNs, but only the SSA can assign them. Verify you already have an SSN before using Form 15101
Can I use Form 15100 instead?
Form 15100 is for requesting an ATIN, not an SSN. Check the purpose of each form before filing
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