If you have a child due towards the end of the year be sure your child has a Social Security number if claiming the child credit. Listing applied for is no longer an option.
You must put the SSN on the Form 1040 to get the $2,000 credit. Eligible children without SSNs can qualify as other dependents for the $500 credit. There are no exceptions to the SSN requirement, not even for the Amish or other taxpayers with a religious objection to SSNs. According to the Revenue Service, the SSN mandate is in the tax reform law, and only Congress can provide an easing. Which is unlikely.