Why does the IRS need birth certificates?

Question

Why is it that the IRS needs a copy of birth certificates? Can they not get a copy of it themselves? Or do they not have access to the birth certificates.

Answer 1

I hope you did not claim them as "qualifying child" for child tax credit, because you can only do that if they are legally "your" children.  But they could be considered "qualifying relative" if they meet the requirements in IRS Publication 501.

You should always keep certified copies of your birth certificates in a safe place.  You need that if you ever need to replace your SS card.

Answer 2

Since you are the one whose return is being questioned, they require you to provide the proof that you have the right to claim those kids.  They don't have some magic master file of birth certificates, and no they don't know if you and your sis are related, that's one of the things they are asking you to prove.

There is a lot of tax fraud with people claiming other people's kids.  That's why the IRS has tightened up investigating to make people prove they have the right to claim them so zillions of dollars don't go out to people making fraudulent claims.

Answer 3

Let me guess, you suddenly claimed Head of Household, 2 siblings under the age of 19 and ask for $4824 of EIC.

*Free Money* brings out greed in people.  They'll claim any SSN they can find and put down brother, sister, niece, nephew, stepson if they think they can claim EIC with it.  So, the IRS *has* to look for fraud.

You are being asked to prove everything.

1.  Biological/legal relationship.  So find the birth certificates.  You have to show you and your sister share a parent and that she's listed on her children's tax returns.  Cousin isn't close enough.

2.  That they lived with you.  Get the school records. If you can show that your sister lived with you as well, that would help.

Answer 4

Why don't you have your birth certificates?  It's a basic document that everybody has. You are claiming tax relief for kids that aren't yours.  Do you really think that the IRS are going to take your word for it?  Of course they need proof.  Why should the IRS obtain copies of your birth certificates or know you are related?  It's your responsibility to prove it, not the IRS'..