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Form 15101: Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for Adoptive Child
IRS Form 15101 is used to Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for Adoptive Child and is filed by adoptive parents. The form uses the Catalog Number 69796Z.
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IRS Form 15101 - Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for Adoptive Child
IRS Form 15101 is used to Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for Adoptive Child and is filed by adoptive parents. The form uses the Catalog Number 69796Z.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not file Form 15100 with the IRS instead; only the SSA can assign an SSN.
- 2Failing to list both adoptive parents' names and signatures on Form 15101.
- 3Not providing the Name of adoptee when completing Form 15101.
- 4Omitting the Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) that was previously assigned.
- 5Using an outdated revision date other than 10-2017 on the form.
Plain English
This form tells the Internal Revenue Service that your adopted child has been assigned an SSN, provided the IRS previously gave them a Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN). It ensures the IRS knows the correct identifying number for the new family member following the adoption. This prevents issues with tax filing and record keeping.
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 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided an ATIN for your adoptive child and you need to inform the IRS of that child's Social Security Number (SSN).
- Do not use Form 15101 when applying for a social security number (SSN) for a child or adoptive child; only the Social Security Administration (SSA) can assign an SSN.
- Check Form 15100 instead when you need to apply for a social security number (SSN) for your child or adoptive child.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Adoption is final and you have the new SSN
To provide the newly assigned SSN after the IRS provided an ATIN
✓ Ensure you do not continue using the old ATIN.
You need to apply for a brand-new SSN
This form is used to request the SSN from the SSA, which precedes filing Form 15101 with the IRS.
✓ Do not file Form 15101 before getting an SSN.
Deadline or filing window
The filing trigger is after the adoption is final. At that point, you must use Form 15101 to provide the new SSN, rather than continuing to rely on the ATIN. There is no specific date deadline listed, but it must be done immediately following the adoption.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Name of adoptee
The full name of the child being adopted · Form 15101 (p.1)
ATIN
The Taxpayer Identification Number previously assigned by the IRS · Form 15101 (p.1)
SSN
The Social Security Number received for the adoptive child · Form 15101 (p.1)
Adoptive Parents' Names/Signatures
Both parents must print/type their names and sign/date them on Form 15101 (p.1) · Form 15101 (p.1)
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the form is dated October 2017.
- 2Verify that you have entered the Name of adoptee correctly on page 1.
- 3Check that the ATIN provided by the IRS is accurately listed on page 1.
- 4Ensure both adoptive parents' names are printed/typed in the designated fields on page 1.
- 5Confirm both adoptive parents have signed and dated their respective sections on page 1.
- 6Verify your current mailing address, city, state, and ZIP code are correct on page 1.
- 7Check that you have included the SSN received for the adoptive child on page 1.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields on IRS Form 15101 (Rev. 10-2017), including your address and the adoptee's name, ATIN, and new SSN.
- 2Sign and date the form for both adoptive parents on page 1.
- 3Mail the completed Form 15101 to Internal Revenue Service Stop 6182 in Austin, TX 73301-0066 (standard mail).
- 4Fax the form to the IRS using the number (855) 250-1731.
- 5Submit the completed form via overnight delivery to Internal Revenue Service 3651 S. Interregional Hwy 35 Stop 6182 in Austin, TX 78741.
- 6Keep a copy of the submitted Form 15101 for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Form 15101 should be used ONLY to inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the social security number (SSN) for an adoptive child if the IRS provided an ATIN for that child.
- 2Do not file Form 15100 with the IRS to obtain a social security number (SSN) for your child or adoptive child; only the Social Security Administration (SSA) can assign an SSN.
- 3After the adoption is final, do not continue using the ATIN; instead use Form 15101 to provide the received SSN for the adoptive 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->The current edition of IRS Form 15101 is Revision 10-2017; for later information, refer to www.irs.gov/w7a.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm October 2017
- Catalog Number — confirm 69796Z
- Mailing address — confirm Austin, TX 73301-0066 for standard mail
- Signature — ensure both adoptive parents sign and date the form
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1After filing Form 15101, apply for an SSN for the child by filling in Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card.
- 2Return Form SS-5, along with appropriate evidence documents, to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- 3It usually takes about 2 weeks to get an SSN once the SSA has all necessary evidence and information.
- 4If the SSA denies your application for an SSN, contact the IRS to request an extension or reactivation of the ATIN.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The purpose of Form 15101 is to inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the social security number (SSN) for an adoptive child if the IRS provided an ATIN.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — After adoption, you should fill in Form SS-5 and return it with evidence documents to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If the SSA denies your application for an SSN, contact the IRS to request an extension or reactivation of the ATIN, including the denial letter.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — After adoption is final, you should use Form 15101 instead of continuing to use the ATIN to provide the SSN received for the adoptive child.
- SRCForm p.1 — The form title is 'Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for Adoptive Child' and it is from the Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service.
- SRCForm p.1 — To file Form 15101, mail or fax it to the IRS at Standard: Stop 6182 in Austin, TX 73301-0066; Overnight: 3651 S. Interregional Hwy 35 Stop 6182 in Austin, TX 78741.
- SRCForm p.1 — The form revision date is October 2017 (Rev. 10-2017).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — For the latest information about developments related to Form 15101 and its instructions, go to www.irs.gov/w7a.
Common confusion points
What is the difference between using Form 15101 and Form 15100?
Form 15100 is used to obtain an SSN, but Form 15101 is used AFTER you have the SSN to inform the IRS about it.
→ Check if the IRS provided an ATIN first.
When should I use Form 15101?
Use Form 15101 only when the IRS has already given your adoptive child an ATIN.
→ Confirm that the "I was assigned the following ATIN" section is applicable.
What do I do with my old ATIN after the adoption is final?
Do not keep using the ATIN; use Form 15101 to provide the actual SSN you received instead.
→ Ensure you are filing this form, not just relying on the old ATIN number.
Where should I send Form 15101?
Mail or fax it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at Stop 6182 in Austin, TX.
→ Verify the address matches the current edition's instructions.
What if my SSN application is denied by the SSA?
Contact the IRS and include the SSA’s denial letter or a written explanation when you correspond with them to request an extension or reactivation of the ATIN.
→ Keep copies of both the denial letter and your correspondence.
Do I need to file Form 15101 before or after getting the SSN?
The source implies filing it *after* receiving the SSN (which you get by applying for it), but it is used when the IRS provided an ATIN, so context matters.
→ If you have the SSN, use Form 15101 to report it.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If the SSA denies your application for an SSN, contact the IRS to request an extension or reactivation of the ATIN (which is related to Form 15101).
Questions about IRS Form 15101
What is IRS Form 15101 used for?
This form tells the Internal Revenue Service that your adopted child has been assigned an SSN, provided the IRS previously gave them a Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN). It ensures the IRS knows the correct identifying number for the new family member following the adoption. This prevents issues with tax filing and record keeping.
Who must file IRS Form 15101?
Adoptive parents must file Form 15101 to inform the Internal Revenue Service of their child's SSN after an adoption is final.
What information does IRS Form 15101 require?
The form collects information such as the Name, Taxpayer Identification Number, Address, and contact details for both adoptive parents. It also requires listing the Name of adoptee and confirming receipt of the ATIN on Form 15101 (October 2017).
When is IRS Form 15101 due?
The timing is triggered after the adoption is final; at that point, instead of continuing to use an ATIN, you use this form to provide the SSN received for the adoptive child.
Where do I file IRS Form 15101?
Mail or fax Form 15101 to the Internal Revenue Service at Stop 6182, Austin, TX 73301-0066. The overnight mailing address is 3651 S. Interregional Hwy 35, Stop 6182, Austin, TX 78741.
How do I complete IRS Form 15101?
First, complete all fields including the adoptive parents' names and addresses. Next, fill in the Name of adoptee and confirm you were assigned the ATIN. Finally, both adoptive parents must sign and date the form before sending it to the IRS.
What happens if IRS Form 15101 is filed incorrectly?
If the SSN information on Form 15101 is incorrect or missing, you may need to contact the IRS to request an extension or reactivation of the ATIN if your SSA application was denied.
What is the difference between using Form 15101 and Form 15100?
Form 15100 is used to obtain an SSN, but Form 15101 is used AFTER you have the SSN to inform the IRS about it. Check if the IRS provided an ATIN first.
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