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taxmap/pubs/p929-000.htm#en_us_publink1000203724
Publication 929

 
Tax Rules for  
Children and  
Dependents

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Reminders(p1)


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Social security number (SSN).(p1)
Dependents who are required to file a tax return must have an SSN. To apply for an SSN, file Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration. You can go to the website www.socialsecurity.gov for more information.
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Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).(p1)
The IRS will issue an ITIN to a nonresident or resident alien who does not have and is not eligible to get an SSN. To apply for an ITIN, file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, with the IRS. It takes 6-10 weeks to get an ITIN. The ITIN is entered wherever an SSN is requested on a tax return. If you are a nonresident alien applying for an ITIN to file a tax return, you generally must attach your original, completed return to Form W-7 to get an ITIN. If you are required to include another person's SSN on your return and that person does not have and cannot get an SSN, enter that person's ITIN.
An ITIN is for tax use only. It does not entitle you to social security benefits or change your employment or immigration status under U.S. law.
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Photographs of missing children.(p1)
The Internal Revenue Service is a proud partner with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Photographs of missing children selected by the Center may appear in this publication on pages that would otherwise be blank. You can help bring these children home by looking at the photographs and calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) if you recognize a child.

taxmap/pubs/p929-000.htm#TXMP0d409ba3Introduction

Part 1 of this publication explains the filing requirements and other tax information for individuals who can be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return.
Part 2 explains how to report and figure the tax on investment income of certain children (whether or not they can be claimed as dependents).
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Definitions.(p2)

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Many of the terms used in this publication, such as "dependent," "earned income," and "unearned income," are defined in the Glossary at the back of this publication.
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Comments and suggestions.(p2)

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We welcome your comments about this publication and your suggestions for future editions.
You can write to us at the following address:

Internal Revenue Service
Individual Forms and Publications Branch
SE:W:CAR:MP:T:I
1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526
Washington, DC 20224

We respond to many letters by telephone. Therefore, it would be helpful if you would include your daytime phone number, including the area code, in your correspondence.
You can email us at taxforms@irs.gov. Please put "Publications Comment" on the subject line. You can also send us comments from www.irs.gov/formspubs/, select "Comment on Tax Forms and Publications" under "Information about."
Although we cannot respond individually to each comment received, we do appreciate your feedback and will consider your comments as we revise our tax products.
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Ordering forms and publications.(p2)
Visit www.irs.gov/formspubs/ to download forms and publications, call 1-800-829-3676, or write to the address below and receive a response within 10 days after your request is received.

Internal Revenue Service
1201 N. Mitsubishi Motorway
Bloomington, IL 61705-6613

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Tax questions.(p2)
If you have a tax question, check the information available on IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040. We cannot answer tax questions sent to either of the above addresses.

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Useful items

You may want to see:


Publication
 501 Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information
 550 Investment Income and Expenses
Form (and Instructions)
 W-4: Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate
 8615: Tax for Certain Children Who Have Investment Income of More Than $1,900
 8814: Parents' Election To Report Child's Interest and Dividends
See How To Get Tax Help near the end of this publication for information about getting these publications and forms.
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Part 1.
Rules for All Dependents(p2)

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Rules for All Dependents

Words you may need to know (see Glossary)

This part of the publication discusses the filing requirements for dependents, who is responsible for a child's return, how to figure a dependent's standard deduction and exemption (if any), and whether a dependent can claim exemption from federal income tax withholding.
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