Rule 1. You Must Have a
Valid Social Security Number (SSN)

Valid SSN. To claim the EIC, you (and your spouse, if filing a joint return) must have a valid SSN issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Any qualifying child listed on Schedule EIC must also have a valid SSN. (See Rule 7 if you have a qualifying child.) If your social security card (or your spouse's if filing a joint return) says "Not valid for employment," and your SSN was issued so that you (or your spouse) could get a federally funded benefit, you cannot get the EIC. An example of a federally funded benefit is Medicaid. If you have a card with the legend "Not valid for employment," and your immigration status has changed so that you are now a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, ask the SSA for a new social security card without the legend.

U.S. citizen. If you were a U.S. citizen when you received your SSN, you have a valid SSN.

SSN missing or incorrect. If an SSN for you or your spouse is missing from your tax return or is incorrect, you may not get the EIC.

Other taxpayer identification number. You cannot get the EIC if, instead of an SSN, you (or your spouse if filing a joint return) have an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). ITINs are issued by the Internal Revenue Service to noncitizens who cannot get an SSN.

No SSN. If you do not have a valid SSN, put "No" directly to the right of line 61a (Form 1040), line 39a (Form 1040A), or print "No" on line 9b (Form 1040EZ). You cannot claim the EIC.

Getting an SSN. If you (or your spouse if filing a joint return) do not have an SSN, you can apply for one by filing Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration.

Filing deadline approaching and still no SSN. If the filing deadline is approaching and you still do not have an SSN, you have two choices.

1. Request an automatic 4-month extension of time to file your return. You can get this extension by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can file a paper Form 4868 or you can file it electronically. Getting an extension does not give you extra time to pay any tax owed. You should pay any amount you expect to owe to avoid interest or penalty charges. For more information, see the instructions for Form 4868.
2. File the return on time without claiming the EIC. After receiving the SSN, file an amended return, Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, claiming the EIC. Attach a filled-in Schedule EIC, Earned Income Credit, if you have a qualifying child.

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