Tax expert John Catoni, of the Dailey Law Firm, explains that your child MUST have a social security number issued to him or her before you can claim them as a dependent on your taxes.

Male Speaker 1: We have got Joe calling in from Livonia. Joe, you’re on the Law Show, what can we do for you?

Male Speaker 2: Yeah, hello Brian, thank you for taking my call and I have a question for tax expert. My son was born in 2008 and due to circumstances we didn’t get the social security number and I claimed our taxes for 2009 last year’s taxes and they denied that because doesn’t have a social security number and I think we put down applied for I think I’m not sure that was a choice I have a tax prepare. And I still didn’t get the social security number I kind of have a little issue with that because I’ve always been told that this is not for identification purposes and the social security number and I want to get away from I’m sort of want to fight that you know what I mean a little bit. Is there a way I can claim in without getting a social security number?

Male Speaker 3: Hello Joe, this is John Catoni. No, before you could put applied for now with the way things are you can get a social security card immediately. I remember when my child was born I got it in the hospital I believe. You’re going to have to get a social security number if you want to claim that child. He is an American citizen, correct.

Male Speaker 2: Right.

Male Speaker 3: You’re American citizens.

Male Speaker 2: Yeah. Well and I know the [Indiscernible] [00:01:29] have an exemption, isn’t that right?

Male Speaker 3: Yes.

Male Speaker 2: Okay, but nobody else.

Male Speaker 3: And even that really it makes more sense I don’t know what your reasoning is behind not getting a social security number and if you want to claim him you might have to bite the bullet and do it.

Male Speaker 2: Okay.