Would you file for an extension or amend later?

[jenners26]

We're still waiting on my DD's SSN to be sent to us. We just got her birth certificate paperwork sent in, so I doubt we'll have it back in time to claim her on our taxes.

So, here's my question...would you file now, and then file an amendment later, claiming her as a dependent? Or would you file for an extension, and then file taxes once you have her SSN? We'll be getting a refund...we don't owe anything, if that matters.
Thanks!

[lisalulu]

My personal preference would be to file now and amend later. But I'm greedy like that! I had to amend our tax return last year b/c I forgot to write off the taxes on our car and I don't think it took very long (a few weeks?) to get the extra money. But you still have a while to decide? Maybe it will come in time after all?

[jenners26]

Was it expensive to ammend them? Were you able to do it online, or did you have to have them prepared?

[MyLilPwny]

We filed and then amended when we were still waiting on my dd's social security number to come in. Her SS# came in one week after the tax returns were due, of course Murphy's Law.

[leavemealone]

I would probably wait until closer to the deadline to see if the SSN comes in before then unless you were really needing the money. If I really needed the money, I'd probably file now and just do an amended return after the deadline. If you really don't owe anything and are receiving a refund, I don't think you really need to file an extension. Yeah, you'll file late, but there shouldn't be a penalty like there would be if you owed money. Long story, but I was waiting for DH to get his act together with regards to his tax info, but finally just filed on my own without him. There was no penalty as we received a refund that year. We filed jointly last year and somehow didn't claim the child credit and did an amended return. It was easy and Tax Act walked me through it.

[sunflower.mama]

I would wait but that's me. We always have to wait until 4/15 for one certain K-1 to come in anyhow. I guess if I lived in CA and was looking for a refund I'd file right away , but otherwise I'd want to wait and deal only once.