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Understanding the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number: What is it and why do you need it

Published on: Published in: Taxes

Understanding the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number: What is it and why do you need it

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is issued by the IRS for resident and non-resident foreigners, with their spouses and dependents. It is given primarily to people who do not qualify for a Social security number, for use as a unique identifier for tax purposes.

The ITIN is different from a Social Security Number (SSN) in that it can only be used for tax purposes. A social security number has broader uses including access to government services, tax, and employment purposes.

What should I know about the ITIN?

There are different reasons for getting an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and some of these are:

  • It is required for a non-resident foreigner to file a US tax return
  • When a non-resident alien wants to claim tax treaty benefits
  • It is required of spouse and dependents of any US resident aliens and non-resident foreigners who hold a US visa
  • Foreign students, Professors, or researchers also need an ITIN to file tax returns
  • It is used by foreigners who are residents of the US for file tax returns. This may be based on the number of days they have been present in the US)

To get an ITIN, the government recognizes a passport as the only document that can be used on its own. This is because it provides information on both your identity and your foreign status. In the event your passport can not be used for any reason, a combination of two or more of the following will suffice:

  • National Identification card (must be current and contain your name, photograph, address, date of birth, and expiration date)
  • United Stated Drives License
  • Civil Birth Certificate (This is for applicants that are yet to attain 18 years of age)
  • Medical Records (Can only be used for dependents that are under 6 years old)
  • Foreign Drivers License
  • United States State Identification Card
  • Foreign Voters Registration Card
  • US Military Identification Card
  • Foreign Military Identification Card
  • School Records (valid only for dependents under age 14 or under age 18 if a student)
  • Visa issued by the US Department of State
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
  • Foreign mailing address

What else should I know about the ITIN?

The most important thing to note is that having an ITIN does not change your immigration status and does not entitle you to legal employment in the United States.

Having an ITIN does not qualify you to obtain a Social Security Number, and CANNOT be used in place of an SSN. If you are eligible for one now or in the future, you should apply for one from the Social Security Administration. Once you get a SSN, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number becomes invalid.

All the documents you provide on your application must be originals or copies certified copies. Your signature is also under penalty of perjury. You should make sure you have given accurate and correct information.

You cannot use your ITIN as a method of identification outside of the tax system. It is also subject to expiration on various grounds and requires renewal through a Certifying Acceptance Agent.

How do you apply for an ITIN?

Tax Secrets is the most effective way to obtain an ITIN. We work with the IRS to help you solve a variety of tax problems, including obtaining an ITIN. The process usually takes about 7 weeks, although it may vary depending on different circumstances, for example, your local mailing system. During peak tax season, this process can take up to 12 weeks.