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Official form guide
Form W7A: Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions
Internal Revenue Service Form W-7A is used to apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number for a child placed for legal adoption when the child’s SSN cannot be obtained, and must be filed at least 4 to 8 weeks before the ATIN is needed.
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IRS Form W7A - Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions
Internal Revenue Service Form W-7A is used to apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number for a child placed for legal adoption when the child’s SSN cannot be obtained, and must be filed at least 4 to 8 weeks before the ATIN is needed.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to file Form W‑7A means the child will not receive an ATIN.
- 2Submitting the form without the required signed and dated documentation proving legal adoption placement.
- 3Leaving the signature line blank or not having all adoptive parents sign and date the application.
- 4Omitting the authorized placement agency’s name, address, or the child’s placement date on Line 5.
- 5Failing to include the child’s adoptive name on Line 3a or birth name on Line 3b.
Plain English
Form W‑7A lets you get an ATIN for a child you are adopting when you can’t get a Social Security number in time. You fill it out, attach proof the child was placed with you for legal adoption, sign it, and mail it to the IRS.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2017-10-25 18:00:20
- 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 need an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number for a child placed for legal adoption and you cannot obtain a Social Security Number.
- Do not use it when the child will receive a Social Security Number in time for filing or when the child is not a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- Check Form W-7 instead when the child is not a U.S. citizen or resident alien or you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Child not eligible for ATIN because SSN will be available
ITIN is required when an SSN cannot be obtained for eligible individuals
✓ Confirm SSN cannot be obtained before filing
Adoptive parent changed mailing address after last tax return
New address on Form W-7A does not update IRS records
✓ Verify address change with Form 8822 before sending W-7A
Child placed for legal adoption and SSN unavailable
ATIN is issued specifically for pending adoptions
✓ Ensure you file 4‑8 weeks before the ATIN is needed
Deadline or filing window
The filing window opens when you need an ATIN for the adopted child. Form W‑7A must be submitted at least 4 to 8 weeks before that need. No extension is provided in the instructions.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Parent information (Line 1a/1b)
Parent's legal name and SSN · Form W-7A line 1
Child's name (Line 3)
Adoptive name and birth name if known · Form W-7A lines 3a/3b
Child's birth information (Line 4)
Date of birth, sex, place of birth · Form W-7A line 4
Placement agency information (Line 5)
Agency name, address, placement date · Form W-7A line 5
Required documentation attachment
Signed, dated proof of legal adoption placement · Instructions p.1 – What To Include With Form W-7A
Before you submit
- 1Verify parent SSNs are entered correctly on lines 1a and 1b.
- 2Enter the adoptive parents' mailing address on line 2, using a street address unless a PO box is required.
- 3Fill child’s adoptive name on line 3a and birth name on line 3b if known.
- 4Record child’s date of birth, sex, and place of birth on line 4.
- 5Complete placement agency name, address, and placement date on line 5.
- 6Attach the signed and dated documentation proving legal adoption placement.
- 7Sign and date the first signature block.
- 8Sign and date the second signature block.
- 9Provide a daytime phone number as requested.
- 10Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions.
How to file this form
- 1Gather the required signed placement documentation.
- 2Complete Form W-7A with all parent, child, and agency details.
- 3Attach the placement documentation to the form.
- 4Sign and date both signature blocks on the form.
- 5Mail the package to Stop 6182 Austin, TX 73301-0066.
- 6Retain a copy of the mailed form and attachments as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Not for children who will obtain an SSN before the tax filing deadline.
- 2Not for children who are not U.S. citizens or resident aliens.
- 3Not for placements that are for foster care rather than legal adoption.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Personal Info
2 items
Your legal name and current mailing address.
Your taxpayer identification number — must match IRS records.
Filing Status
1 items
Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household (for withholding purposes).
Dependents
1 items
Number of qualifying children and other dependents.
Adjustments
1 items
Additional income not from jobs or adjustments to withholding.
Withholding
1 items
Additional amount you want withheld from each paycheck.
Certification
1 items
Your tax entity type: Individual, Corporation, Partnership, etc.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date to certify under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form W-7A revision date is October 2017; the instructions direct users to the IRS.gov/FormW7A page for the latest information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads October 2017.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Mailing address — confirm Stop 6182 Austin, TX 73301-0066 as the destination.
- Signature — confirm both parent signature blocks are signed and dated.
- Attachments — confirm required placement documentation is attached.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the submitted form and attachments for your records.
- 2Wait for the IRS to issue the ATIN, which will be mailed to you.
- 3Store the ATIN securely for use on your tax return.
- 4If you discover an error, submit a corrected Form W-7A with updated information.
- 5Retain any IRS correspondence related to the ATIN for future reference.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form W-7A is to apply for an ATIN for a child placed for legal adoption.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — do not use Form W-7A if you can obtain a Social Security Number for the child in time.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — do not use Form W-7A if the child isn’t a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — file Form W-7A at least 4 to 8 weeks before you will need an ATIN.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — mailing address is Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Stop 6182 Austin, TX 73301-0066.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — report name change to SSA before filing to prevent delays.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — use Form 8822 to notify the IRS of an address change.
- SRCForm p.1 — OMB No. 1545-0074 appears on the form.
Common confusion points
Can I use Form W-7A if I will get an SSN later?
Filers think ATIN is a temporary substitute for an SSN.
→ Confirm the SSN cannot be obtained before the filing deadline.
Do I need to attach the child's birth certificate?
Instructions list specific placement documentation, not a birth certificate.
→ Attach the signed placement agency documentation as required.
Should I use my PO box for the address?
The address field allows a PO box only if mail isn’t delivered to the home.
→ Use the street address unless your PO box is necessary per instructions.
Do I need to report a name change on this form?
Name‑change guidance is separate from the ATIN request.
→ Report the name change to the SSA before filing to avoid delays.
Will the mailing address I enter update IRS records?
Changing the address on Form W-7A does not update IRS files.
→ File Form 8822 to notify the IRS of any address change.
Do I need to file Form W-7 for a non‑citizen child?
Filers may confuse ATIN with ITIN requirements.
→ Use Form W-7 when the child is not a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
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Questions about IRS Form W7A
What is IRS Form W7A used for?
Form W‑7A lets you get an ATIN for a child you are adopting when you can’t get a Social Security number in time. You fill it out, attach proof the child was placed with you for legal adoption, sign it, and mail it to the IRS.
Who must file IRS Form W7A?
Adoptive parent(s) who have a child placed for legal adoption by an authorized placement agency and cannot obtain the child’s SSN after reasonable attempts must file Form W‑7A.
What information does IRS Form W7A require?
The form collects the adoptive parent’s address (Line 2), the child’s adoptive and birth names (Lines 3a‑3b), date of birth, sex and place of birth (Line 4), and the name, address and placement date of the authorized placement agency (Line 5), plus a signature.
When is IRS Form W7A due?
You must complete Form W‑7A at least 4 to 8 weeks before you will need an ATIN.
Where do I file IRS Form W7A?
Mail the signed Form W‑7A and attachments to Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Stop 6182, Austin, TX 73301‑0066.
How do I complete IRS Form W7A?
First, fill out the required lines: Line 2 with your address, Lines 3a‑3b with the child’s adoptive and birth names, Line 4 with the child’s birth date, sex and place of birth, and Line 5 with the authorized placement agency’s name, address and placement date. Attach signed and dated proof that the child was placed with you for legal adoption. Both adoptive parents sign and date the form. Mail the completed form and attachments to the IRS address listed.
What happens if IRS Form W7A is filed incorrectly?
If you do not file Form W‑7A, the IRS will not issue an ATIN, preventing you from claiming the child as a dependent.
Can I use Form W-7A if I will get an SSN later?
Filers think ATIN is a temporary substitute for an SSN. Confirm the SSN cannot be obtained before the filing deadline.
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