What is an ITIN?

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax filing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS issues ITINs to people who are required to have a US taxpayer identification number, but who do not have a US taxpayer identification number.qualify to obtain a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

 

What is an ITIN used for?

The IRS issues ITINs to help people comply with the tax laws of the United States and to provide people who does not qualify to obtain a Social Security number, an efficient way to process and account for your tax returns and payments. They are issued regardless of immigration status, as both resident and non-resident aliens may be required to file a US tax return or information return. ITINs serve no purpose other than filing federal tax returns.

ORNo ITIN No:

• Authorized to work in the United States

• Provides the right to receive Social Security benefits

• Qualify a dependent for purposes of the earned income credit

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What do I need to apply for an ITIN?

Attach a federal income tax return to Form W-7 (SP)

Currently, 13 documents are accepted. Each document must be current and contain an expiration date. The IRS will accept documents issued for a period of 12 months, from the date of application

Documents must also include your name and photograph, and substantiate your claim of alien status

You may also choose to send certified copies from the issuing agency instead. Below is the list of the only documents that are accepted:

• Passport (this is the only document you can present alone) *

• National ID card (must display photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)

• United States driver's license

• Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 years of age)

• Foreign driver's license

• United States state identification card

• Voter registration card from your country

• United States military identification card

• Military ID card from your country

• Visa

• A photo ID issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

• Medical records (dependents only – under 6 years of age).

• Academic records (only for dependents – under 14 years of age, or under 18 years of age if they are students).

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* A passport is the only document that proves both identity and foreign status. For dependents, the passport must include a date of entry to be considered a separate document, unless the dependent is from Canada or Mexico, or a dependent of US military personnel abroad. If a passport is not presented, a combination of two or more documents must be presented to meet the documentation requirements.

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What documents are acceptable as proof of residency for dependents who do not have an entry date in their passport?

​Applicants will be required to present (along with passport) any of the following:

• If you are under 6 years old:  a United States medical record, a United States academic record, a United States state identification card showing the applicant's name and United States address, or a United States visa.

• If you are at least 6 years old but under 18 years of age: A United States transcript, a United States state identification card or driver's license showing the applicant's name and United States address, or a visa US.

• If you are 18 years of age or older: A United States transcript, a rental statement from a United States property, a utility bill from a United States property, a United States bank statement, or a credit card US state ID or driver's license showing the applicant's name and US address, or a US visa.