What Is An ITIN? What You Need to Know

If you’re a qualifying non-resident or a resident alien (green card holder), you, your spouse, and your dependents can receive an ITIN. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax processing number issued by the IRS. The purpose of an ITIN is to ensure those who work in the U.S. have a method of paying taxes, even if they don’t qualify for a Social irs form 1065 instructions Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. If you’d prefer not to submit your information in person, you can mail it. Because of the sensitive nature of the documents you’re sending, only use certified mail with a tracking number. To apply for an ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. If you receive an IRS notice related to the ITIN application, CAAs can contact the IRS on your behalf. A taxpayer who was experiencing a family emergency and needed to travel out of the country with his… Acceptance Agents (AAs) and Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAAs) can help you complete applications.

• The following form is available only to employers located in Puerto Rico, Solicitud de Número de Identificación Patronal (EIN) SS-4PRPDF.
• For a summary of those rules, please see the new Form W-7 and its instructions.
• If you do not have a PTIN, you must get one by using the new IRS sign-up system.
• If the foreign entity later becomes liable to file a U.S. tax return, the foreign entity should not apply for a new EIN, but should instead use the EIN it was first issued on all U.S. tax returns filed thereafter.
• The Internal Revenue Service issues ITINs to foreign nationals who need taxpayer identification but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number.

Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent. This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents. Once you have your ITIN, you’re ready to apply for a credit card.

How do I get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?

You and your contributors should have your tax returns on hand when you fill out the FAFSA form. Even though your tax information will be transferred directly into the FAFSA form, you may still need your tax records to answer certain questions. Applying for a credit card without a Social Security number is possible when you use an ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Many of the largest credit card companies allow immigrants and those without Social Security numbers to apply for and use credit cards, regardless of immigration status. So if you are looking to get credit but don’t have an SSN, you have options. If you’re a foreign national living in the United States, you’ll want to apply for a credit card to build good credit.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS issues an ITIN to people who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but don’t have (or are not eligible for) a Social Security Number (SSN). If you’re required to file a tax return and aren’t eligible for a Social Security number, you need to apply for an ITIN (See the What should I do? section, above). Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required for U.S. federal tax purposes to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have and are not eligible to get a Social Security number (SSN). If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, learn how to get and use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a federal tax return.

Unlike other forms of ID, ITINs only have one purpose—tax filing and reporting. Having an ITIN number won’t make you eligible for benefits, such as Social Security or earned income credits that provide refunds to some low-income filers. You can file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), with your federal income tax return. You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status. If questions 11 through 17 on Form SS-4 do not apply to the applicant because he has no U.S. tax return filing requirement, such questions should be annotated “N/A”.

Beginning on the 2024–25 FAFSA form, you and your contributors must provide consent and approval to have your federal tax information transferred directly from the IRS into your FAFSA form. Providing consent and approval is mandatory, even if you or your contributors don’t have an SSN, didn’t file a tax return, or filed a tax return outside the U.S. Many new immigrants have found the second best method to start building and using credit through credit cards is by applying for and using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is, according to the IRS, a “tax processing number” designed to help individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number. Visiting a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center is one way to submit your application.

Adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN)

This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Find out what adjustments and deductions are available and whether you qualify. CAAs are required to keep copies of all documentation they send to the IRS. The IRS will send the ITIN to the CAA, who will pass it on to you.

Why did IRS revise the ITIN application process?

They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Our Firm provides Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) service for obtaining an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). This service is normally provided for our clients who have other matters with us, however, we do offer this service to the general public.

Can I get Social Security benefits with an ITIN?

If this is your situation, don’t worry—there is a way to do so. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS.

Issuers can’t deny you for applying with an ITIN, but they can deny you for lack of credit history. Foreign credit doesn’t transfer to the United States, so you’ll need to start building credit from scratch. They’re easy to qualify for even if you have no credit history, because they require a deposit to secure the line of credit. There are also some credit cards offered specifically to recent immigrants, and they don’t require a Social Security number. Even if you’re not eligible to get a Social Security Number (SSN), you’ll still need to file income taxes in the United States if you live and work here.

How To Apply for a Credit Card With an ITIN Number as an Immigrant

School officials can assess your situation and may adjust your FAFSA form if warranted. If you or your contributors don’t provide consent and approval to have your federal tax information transferred into the FAFSA® form, you won’t be eligible for federal student aid. Each bank or credit card company will have different steps you will need to complete, but the good news is that you can apply for a large number of cards with an ITIN number. Generally, you can apply for cards online, over the phone or in person at a local branch.

What form do I use to apply for an ITIN?

You can list up to 20 schools on the online 2024–25 FAFSA form. When you fill out the FAFSA form, you’ll answer questions that will determine who needs to be a contributor on your form. However, you may be able to identify your contributors now to get a head start on collecting the information you’ll need to invite them to your form. Your contributors will each need their own StudentAid.gov account too.