Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Application Form
ITIN VS SSN
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit Tax ID issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS is the Federal Income Tax Department in the United States. An ITIN helps individuals to comply with tax laws in the US. ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and non-residents may have US Federal tax filing and payment responsibilities under the Internal Revenue Code. An ITIN is also used by individuals who are required to have a Tax ID but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).
An SSN is only issued to US residents or to resident aliens who are authorized to work in the US.
Sometimes students, on an F-1 visa, may get an SSN in order to take education tax credit if they work part-time and file tax returns. Those individuals who are on a non-work temporary visa, such as the ESTA, are not permitted to apply for an SSN.
Businessmen and investors, on E1/E2 and EB-5 visas, receive SSNs but these SSNs are different than the SSNs issued to US citizens and resident aliens.
Benefits of Having an ITIN ?
If you have any one of the following points, you must have an ITIN
- File a tax return using an ITIN.
- Register a company (C-Corp or LLC) in the US.
- Open up a physical bank account in the US if you have a valid visit visa. You may use ITIN for virtual bank account opening as well.
- Show proof of residency - At some point in the future, an immigrant may need to prove how long he or she has been in the United States and having a tax return filed using an ITIN is one way to show that.
- Eligibility for an e-commerce business - ITIN enables foreign entrepreneurs to fulfill some application requirements in order to be eligible for E-Commerce businesses such as Amazon.
- Resolve problems for PayPal account operation.
- Securing a driver’s license - Some states have allowed the ITIN to be used instead of an SSN in order to receive a driver’s license, driver’s permit, or temporary driver’s license.
- Purchase real estate in the US.
- Non-resident alien who is required to file a US tax return
- US resident alien who is (based on days present in the United States) filing a US tax return
- Dependent or spouse of a US citizen/resident alien
- Dependent or spouse of a non-resident alien visa holder
- Non-resident alien claiming a tax treaty benefit
- Non-resident alien student, professor, or researcher filing a US tax return or claiming an exception
An ITIN Does Not Allow To
Work in USA
Entitle for Social Security benefits
Earned Income Tax Credit.
Apply for an ITIN
All you need is to make an appointment with us. We will certify your identification documents A Certifying Acceptance Agent will sign your documents. Your ITIN application will be mailed out directly to the ITIN operations Unit. We have a direct line of contact with the IRS to check the status of your application.
OR
You can personally take an appointment at the US Embassy in your country or if you are in the US, you can visit a nearby IRS office in your town for Identity Verification. BUT, You still need a professional to prepare the paperwork to ensure there are no mistakes.
ITIN Needs Renewal
If you haven’t used your ITIN in the past three years, it will expire. There are some rules, as defined by the IRS, which informs you when your ITIN is going to expire for example, ITINs with middle digits of 83, 84, 85, 86 or 87 (e.g. 9NN-83-NNNN) will also expire at the end of 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – U.S. Tax ID / ITIN
1. What is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a U.S. tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required to file a U.S. tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).
2. Who needs an ITIN?
You may need an ITIN if you are:
- A non-resident or resident alien required to file a U.S. tax return
- A foreign national investing in U.S. real estate or businesses
- A dependent or spouse of a U.S. taxpayer
- An expatriate earning U.S.-source income
3. Is an ITIN the same as a Social Security Number (SSN)?
No. An ITIN is only for tax reporting purposes. It does not authorize work in the U.S., provide immigration status, or qualify you for Social Security benefits.
4. What can an ITIN be used for?
An ITIN can be used to:
- File U.S. federal and state tax returns
- Open U.S. bank accounts (subject to bank policy)
- Claim eligible tax refunds
- Report U.S. rental or investment income
5. What documents are required to apply for an ITIN?
Typically, you need:
- Completed IRS Form W-7
- Original passport or certified copy (or alternative ID documents)
- A valid tax return or qualifying exception documentation
6. Do I need to send my original passport to the IRS?
No. You may submit IRS-certified copies or apply through an IRS Authorized Acceptance Agent, which allows passport verification without mailing originals.
7. How long does it take to receive an ITIN?
Processing usually takes:
- 6–8 weeks for standard applications
- 8–12 weeks during peak tax season or for international filings
8. Can I apply for an ITIN from outside the United States?
Yes. ITIN applications can be filed from anywhere in the world, including the UAE and other Gulf countries.
9. Is an ITIN required to open a U.S. LLC or corporation?
An ITIN is not required to form a U.S. company, but it is often needed to:
- File personal tax returns
- Receive distributions
- Comply with IRS reporting obligations
10. Can I file U.S. taxes without an ITIN?
No. If you do not qualify for an SSN and are required to file U.S. taxes, you must first obtain an ITIN.
11. Can I claim a tax refund with an ITIN?
Yes. Individuals with ITINs may be eligible for U.S. tax refunds, depending on income, withholding, and applicable tax treaties.
12. Does an ITIN expire?
Yes. ITINs may expire if not used on a U.S. tax return for three consecutive years or if the IRS issues a renewal requirement.
13. How do I renew an expired ITIN?
You can renew your ITIN by filing Form W-7 (Renewal) along with valid identification documents. A tax return is not always required for renewal.
14. Can dependents apply for ITINs?
Yes. Spouses and dependents of U.S. taxpayers may apply for ITINs if they are listed on a U.S. tax return and meet IRS requirements.
15. Does an ITIN affect my immigration status?
No. Applying for or holding an ITIN does not impact your immigration status and is strictly for tax compliance purposes.
16. Can an ITIN be used for credit or loans?
An ITIN may be accepted by some banks or lenders, but approval depends on individual financial institutions and credit policies.
17. Is my personal information secure during the ITIN process?
Yes. Reputable tax professionals follow strict data protection and confidentiality standards, including secure document handling and encrypted submissions.
18. What happens if my ITIN application is rejected?
If rejected, the IRS will issue a notice explaining the reason. The application can usually be corrected and resubmitted with proper documentation.( We recommend to take the help of seasoned Certifying Acceptance Agent to process your application).
19. Do tax treaties apply to ITIN holders?
Yes. Many countries have tax treaties with the U.S. that may reduce withholding or provide tax benefits, even if you file using an ITIN.
20. Why should I use a professional ITIN service provider?
A professional service helps:
- Avoid IRS rejections and delays
- Ensure proper documentation
- Maintain compliance with U.S. tax laws
- Protect sensitive personal information
Follow Us on Social Media
