What is an ITIN?

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

The IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for Social Security numbers. They are issued regardless of immigration status, because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code. ITINs do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting.

An ITIN does not:

• Authorize any individual to work in the U.S;
• Provide eligibility for Social Security benefits;
• Qualify a dependent for Earned Income Tax Credit Purposes.
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The ITIN may expire before you file a tax return in 2021. All ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years will expire on December 31, 2020. Additionally, all ITINs issued before 2013 with middle digits of 88 (Example: (9XX-88-XXXX) will expire at the end of the year. Those with middle digits 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99, that was assigned before 2013 and have not already been renewed, will also expire at the end of this year.

We ask for the ITIN as we can obtain the EIN online with this number. When we can expedite the process by getting the verification letter online. 

Learn more about ITIN directly on the IRS website here

Learn about ITIN FAQs directly on the IRS website here