Obtaining ITIN number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number (SSN) including unauthorized immigrants as well as lawfully present individuals. Federal law requires individuals with U.S. income, regardless of their immigration status, to pay U.S. taxes. That’s why, the IRS provides ITINs to individuals ineligible for an SSN in order to improve compliance with tax laws.
An ITIN does not;
- Authorize work in the U.S.
- Provide eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Qualify a dependent for Earned Income Tax Credit Purposes
The Internal Revenue Service announced in 2014 that effective immediately, “Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) will expire if not used on a federal income tax return for three consecutive years. An ITIN is a nine-digit account number (same as a social security number SSN) that you must request only through the IRS. If you’ve used an ITIN in the past, you must provide the prior identification number on your application.
The ITIN number can be obtained in three different ways.
- Submitting an application by mail
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- Before filling out your application, you must have at least one of the following ITIN Number requirements: identification card, such as driver’s license from the US or your country of origin, passport and so on
- Fill out the ITIN number application form (W-7) which is the first step to request an individual taxpayer identification number
- You can send the application with a letter by regular mail to; Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342 Austin, TX 78714-9342
2. Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent. This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents.
3. Make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. This will also prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status document. After processing, the IRS will issue your ITIN through the mail.
