Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) (2024)

FAQs

Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN)? ›

ITIN. An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

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.

The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an umbrella term and it comprises several different types of tax IDs. The three most important TIN's are Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

On page 1 of Form 1040 under the Dependents section, look to see if your name, relationship (child), and ITIN number is listed under the Social Security Number field. If a 9-digit number that starts with the number 9 (ex. 9##-##-####) is listed under the SSN section, that is your ITIN number.

All valid ITINs are a nine-digit number in the same format as the SSN (9XX-8X-XXXX), begins with a “9” and the 4th and 5th digits range from 50 to 65, 70 to 88, 90 to 92, and 94 to 99.

Your ITIN not only helps you file a tax return, it ensures you get the refund you deserve as quickly as possible. And what's more, your ITIN application or renewal service is free when we prepare your U.S. federal income tax return.

Q11: How long does it take to get an ITIN? A11: If you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete, you will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within seven weeks (up to 11 weeks if requested during peak tax time (January 15 through April 30) or from abroad).

The Internal Revenue Service has two free online tools that allow you to look up a TIN. They are: Online Taxpayer Identification Number Matching Program. This allows you to see if the TIN and name you provide match according to the database.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is: A nine-digit number assigned to an individual who is required to have a tax identification number, but who is ineligible for a Social Security Number. The ITIN is for tax reporting purposes and/or for claiming tax treaty benefits.

Can I work legally with an ITIN? ›

An ITIN does not authorize you to work in the U.S, nor does it change your immigration status. An ITIN is a 9-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) to enable individuals who do not have SSNs to file and pay taxes.

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN).

There is no option to apply for an ITIN as a stand-alone document without a tax return.

As the withholding agent, you must generally request that the payee provide you with its U.S. taxpayer identification number (TIN). You must include the payee's TIN on forms, statements, and other tax documents. The payee's TIN may be any of the following. An individual may have a Social Security number (SSN).

The Bottom Line. A taxpayer identification number or TIN is necessary to work in the United States and file a tax return. Individuals can get a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration or obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification number or a number for a business directly from the IRS.

The IRS accepts Form W-7, Application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number by mail accompanied by original documents or certified copy of the document from the issuing agency to establish the identity and foreign status of the ITIN applicant.