What is an ITIN and should I get one? How do I get an ITIN?
An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is for people who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). Often they are not eligible for an SSN because of their immigration status.
Getting an ITIN allows you to file a tax return and in some cases receive certain tax credits for you and your family. To apply for an ITIN, you must have earned income in the US to report on a federal tax return.
Please note: As of April 7th, the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security (including ICE) have reached an agreement to share data between the agencies. There are news reports that the IRS is being asked to share data with ICE (such as names and addresses). Full information about what information will be shared is not yet available. Any data you have submitted in the past to the IRS could potentially be shared through this agreement.
We have no reason to believe your choice of tax prep software would have any impact on whether the IRS will share your data.
If you are considering filing with an ITIN, we recommend that you consult with an attorney or immigration support service.
An ITIN doesn’t:
- Qualify you for Social Security benefits
- Qualify you for the Earned Income Tax Credit
- Change your immigration status
- Approve you to legally work in the U.S.
- Act as a form of identification outside the federal tax system
Who can use an ITIN?
If you're a resident alien, nonresident alien or their spouse or dependent, you can apply for an ITIN regardless of immigration status. Other examples of people who may need an ITIN include:
- A foreign national legally residing in the United States who, based on number of days in the country, is filing a U.S. tax return.
- A foreign national who is a student, professor, or researcher in the United States and is filing a U.S. tax return, but does not qualify to receive a SSN.
- A dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- A dependent or spouse of a foreign national on a temporary visa.
Source: American Immigration Council
What tax benefits might I be eligible for with an ITIN?
Federal Tax Benefits
Parents with an ITIN can qualify for the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) as long as the child or children have an SSN. Taxpayers cannot claim the CTC or ACTC for children with an ITIN. The credit is up to $2,000 per qualifying child.
State and Local Tax Benefits
Limited states, including California, Illinois, and Maryland, offer tax benefits to ITIN holders and mixed-status families. Benefits range from under $1,000 to more than $3,600.
Limited states, including California, Illinois, and Maryland, offer tax benefits to ITIN holders and mixed-status families. Benefits range from under $1,000 to more than $3,600.
You may also be eligible for refunds for overpaid estimated taxes.
To get an ITIN, you need to file Form W-7 along with your federal tax return.
To get an ITIN, you need to file Form W-7 along with your federal tax return.
Part of the application asks for a proof of identity. They usually ask for original copies of your passport and birth certificate.
There are a few ways to start your application:
- Mail these documents to the IRS
- Apply in person through the IRS
- Apply in person through an IRS "Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA)”
An IRS "Certified Acceptance Agent" will review and approve your documents for the IRS. It can be helpful to apply in person to avoid mailing in your original documents.
GetYourRefund does not currently offer support for getting an ITIN. Please use our VITA Location Finder to find an in-person site near you. Remember that not all in-person sites can help with applying and renewing an ITIN. We recommend contacting the VITA office to confirm.