Rejected EIC Claim for November 2024 Newborn - SSN/DOB 'Incorrect' Despite Triple-Checking

I had this exact issue with my December 2023 baby last filing season. The problem is likely a timing mismatch between SSA database updates and IRS verification systems. When my son was born, I applied for his SSN at the hospital, received the card about three weeks later, but the electronic systems didn't sync up for nearly 8 weeks. I ended up having to paper file with a copy of the SSN card attached. Frustrating, but it worked! Make sure you keep copies of everything - I made three copies of the SSN card, birth certificate, and hospital records just to be safe.

Oh no, this happens every year and it's so frustrating! 😩 The IRS and SSA databases don't always talk to each other quickly enough for newborns. You definitely CAN claim your November baby on your 2024 taxes (any child born during the calendar year qualifies as your dependent for the entire year). But the electronic verification system might be the issue here. I'd be worried about waiting too long to resolve this!

Let me clarify the timing requirements for claiming a newborn: 1. First, verify if your baby has an SSN valid for employment (not just an ITIN). 2. Then, confirm the child was born in 2024 (which your November baby was). 3. Next, check that you've entered the SSN exactly as it appears on the card. 4. Ensure the name format matches SSA records (first name, middle initial, last name). 5. Verify birthdate is entered in the correct format (MM/DD/YYYY). 6. Finally, consider that there might be a database synchronization delay between SSA and IRS. Am I correct in understanding that you've already verified all these items?

Have you tried calling the IRS directly to resolve this? Many people don't realize the IRS has special processes for handling newborn SSN verification issues, but getting through to an agent who can help is nearly impossible this time of year. I recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get connected to an IRS agent quickly - they can check their internal systems to see exactly why the SSN is being rejected. Is the SSN showing as invalid or is it the name/DOB combination that's causing issues? An agent would be able to tell you specifically what's wrong instead of guessing.

I went through this exact scenario on January 15th this year with my December 2024 baby! The solution is actually quite simple - you need to paper file your return. The IRS electronic filing system pulls verification data from the SSA database, which typically updates quarterly. Babies born in November 2024 might not be fully integrated into the electronic verification system until around March 1, 2025. Paper filing bypasses the electronic verification step since a human reviewer can physically see your documentation. Include a copy (not the original) of your baby's social security card and birth certificate with your paper return. I received my refund exactly 6 weeks after mailing my return on January 20th.

There's a specific timing issue here. The IRS verification database typically updates 4-6 weeks after SSA issues a new SSN, but during high-volume periods (like Q4 of the calendar year), this can extend to 8-12 weeks. A November 2024 birth with an SSN issued in December might not be in the verification database until February or even March 2025. I've tracked 37 similar cases over the past 3 tax seasons, and the average delay between SSN issuance and IRS database recognition was 9.2 weeks. This is particularly concerning for EIC claims which are already subject to additional verification procedures.

Alternative approach: file now without EIC. Claim just the dependent exemption. Get most of your refund quickly. File amended return later for EIC portion. Less waiting for majority of refund. Database sync issues resolved by then. Worth considering if you need funds soon.

I successfully navigated this same issue last year with my December baby! Isn't it ridiculous that government systems don't talk to each other better? I initially tried calling the IRS regular number but couldn't get through for days. Finally went with paper filing and included a photocopy of my baby's social security card and birth certificate. Wrote "NEWBORN SSN VERIFICATION ISSUE" in red at the top of my 1040. Got my full refund with EIC about 7 weeks later. Would it be faster if their systems worked properly? Of course! But at least there's a proven solution.