ITIN holders must verify their identity through the video chat process and will need a valid email address, proof of ITIN, one primary document and one secondary document. Keeper is the top-rated all-in-one business expense tracker, tax filing service, and personal accountant. If you need more time to file, though, you can always submit a tax extension giving you six additional months to file.

Under box 6e, indicate whether you’ve been issued an ITIN before, and list the number in box 6f. This looks the same whether you’re applying for a new ITIN or just renewing an old one. Only a Social Security Number qualifies you to receive Social Security and other government benefits. Social Security Numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). They are shared across multiple governmental departments (including Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

The Application

A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS. For more information see Allowable Tax Benefits in the Instructions for Form W-7 PDF. You will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within seven weeks if you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete. The good news is, they’re reaching out to you before rejecting your request for an ITIN. You’ll have 45 days to respond with new records, following the instructions in your letter. If you decide to work with a CAA, they can verify your original documents and send certified copies to the IRS for you.

ITINs that have not been used on a tax return for Tax Year 2021, Tax Year 2022 or Tax Year 2023 will expire December 31, 2024. Unless you will not need to file an income tax return next year, you will likely need to renew your ITIN if you fit either of the above two categories. Applicants who meet one of the exceptions to the requirement to file a tax return (see the Instructions for Form W-7) must provide documentation to support the exception. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual.

Expanded discussion of allowable tax benefit

1. This could include a birth certificate, adoption papers, or other court-appointed papers showing legal guardianship.
2. Keeper is the top-rated all-in-one business expense tracker, tax filing service, and personal accountant.
3. In her spare time, she is a devoted cat mom and enjoys hiking, painting, and overwatering her houseplants.
4. Be sure to take a selfie for sentimental purposes (optional step).
5. While Keeper doesn’t currently support W-7 filings, our tax filing service is quick and easy.

For tax years beginning after 2017, spouses or dependents aren’t eligible for an ITIN, unless they are claimed for an allowable tax benefit. The individual must be listed on an attached U.S. federal tax return with the schedule or form that applies to the allowable tax benefit. You must file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number PDF to apply for an ITIN and to show that you have a federal tax purpose for seeking the ITIN. Along with the completed Form W-7, you’ll submit identity documents and either a federal tax return or other documentation to show the federal tax purpose for which you need the ITIN. An ITIN is issued for federal tax filing purposes only and doesn’t entitle you to Social Security benefits nor does it make you eligible for the earned income credit. The ITIN creates no inference concerning your immigration status or your right to work in the United States.

ITIN vs. SSN: What’s the difference?

Because ITINs are confidential, they aren’t considered reliable for tracking someone’s credit history or financial health. That’s why many creditors only accept Social Security numbers and won’t rent to ITIN holders. In this article, we’ll cover what an ITIN is, how to use it, and step-by-step instructions for getting one. See how much you can save when a TurboTax expert does your taxes, start to finish. Security Certification of the TurboTax Online application has been performed by C-Level Security.

This way, the IRS will be able to match the tax return in their system. Individual Tax ID Numbers, on the other hand, are issued by the IRS actuarial gain or loss definition and can’t be shared with other departments “The IRS… does not provide USCIS with tax information for immigration enforcement purposes,” Castro says. The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice.

You will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card PDF. You also must submit evidence of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws. It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS.