3568: Alternative Identifying Information for the Dependent Exemption Credit (2024)

Who files this form

Form 3568 provides alternative identifying information for a dependent when claiming the dependent exemption credit.

To qualify to use this form, your dependent must:

• Have been a resident of Mexico or Canada for the taxable year for which you are claiming the credit.
• Be ineligible to receive or renew a federal Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number (SSN).

If either condition is not met, the form says to stop and use an ITIN or SSN when claiming the credit.

What you'll need

The form asks for:

• Your name as shown on your tax return and your SSN or ITIN.
• Your dependent’s relationship to you, name, date of birth, sex, country of birth, and name at birth if different. Birth city, state, and province are marked optional.
• Your dependent’s U.S. mailing address and foreign address.
• Countries of citizenship and foreign tax identification number.
• Information about identification documents submitted, including the issuer, identification number, and expiration date.
• The name of a school, college, university, or company, plus its city and state.

The identification document choices listed are passport, driver’s license/state ID, birth certificate, USCIS documentation, and “Other.” The form refers to instructions for these documents, but those instructions are not included in the supplied text.

How to file

1. Complete Part I to check whether you qualify to use the form. Follow the stop instructions if you do not qualify.
2. If you qualify, complete Part II with your dependent’s information.
3. Sign and date the form.
4. Attach Form 3568 to your California Form 540, Form 540 2EZ, or Form 540NR.

Keep a copy for your records. The supplied form does not give a mailing address or e-file directions.

Common mistakes

• Continuing after a disqualifying answer. Stop if the dependent was not a resident of Mexico or Canada for the taxable year, or if the dependent is eligible to receive or renew a federal ITIN or SSN. The form says to use an ITIN or SSN instead.
• Entering another country in the foreign address. The foreign country field says to enter only Mexico or Canada.
• Forgetting the attachment. Form 3568 must be attached to California Form 540, Form 540 2EZ, or Form 540NR.
• Not keeping a copy. The form reminds you to keep a copy for your records.

Questions people ask

Can I use Form 3568 if my dependent can receive or renew an ITIN or SSN?

No. The form says you do not qualify to use it and must use an ITIN or SSN when claiming the dependent exemption credit.

Which California return do I attach this form to?

Attach it to California Form 540, Form 540 2EZ, or Form 540NR.

Do I need to sign Form 3568?

Yes. The form has a signature and date section. By signing, you declare under penalties of perjury that you examined the form and accompanying documents and statements, and that they are true, correct, and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief.

Official sources

• https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2024/2024-3568.pdf