ITIN — Complete guide to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

ITIN — Complete guide for immigrants in the United States

The IRS issued more than 5.7 million active ITINs as of 2024. The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is the 9-digit number that always begins with 9 that the IRS issues under Internal Revenue Code §6109 to individuals who must file a US federal tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). Application is on IRS Form W-7, filed with the first tax return. There is no fee to apply. Processing takes 7-11 weeks during peak season (January-April) and 6-8 weeks otherwise. ITINs expire after 3 consecutive tax years of non-use per IRS Publication 1915.

This guide covers the entire process — from initial application to filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and building credit.

ITIN at a glance

Pages in this guide

• What is an ITIN? — What the IRS ITIN is, what it’s for, who needs one, and the key differences from a Social Security Number (SSN).
• How to apply — Form W-7 step by step — How to complete and submit Form W-7, the three ways to apply, and required documents.
• Required documents — official IRS list — The 13 documents the IRS accepts, and which prove identity versus foreign status.
• ITIN renewal — when, how, and why it expires — How to tell if your ITIN has expired, when to renew, what to send, and processing times.
• How to file taxes with an ITIN — Filing your federal return with an ITIN: forms, which credits you can and can’t claim, and how to include a spouse and children.

What an ITIN lets you do — and what it doesn’t

People often assume an ITIN is a lesser version of a Social Security Number, or that it carries hidden risks. In reality it is a narrow, single-purpose tax tool. Here is the honest scope.

An ITIN lets you:

• File a federal income tax return and pay the taxes you owe
• Claim a tax refund and report withholding
• Be listed as a spouse or dependent on someone else’s return
• Open interest-bearing bank and savings accounts at most institutions
• Build US credit history through secured cards and credit-builder products
• Apply for an ITIN mortgage with participating lenders
• Claim certain tax treaty benefits, where a treaty applies

An ITIN does NOT:

• Authorize you to work in the United States
• Serve as proof of work authorization to an employer
• Make you eligible for Social Security or Medicare benefits
• Grant, change, or affect your immigration status
• Qualify you for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Who needs an ITIN

You generally need an ITIN if you have a US tax filing or reporting obligation but cannot get an SSN. Common situations include:

• A nonresident who must file a US return or claim a treaty benefit
• A resident (by the substantial-presence test) who must file but is not SSN-eligible
• The spouse or dependent of a US citizen or resident being claimed on a return
• Someone receiving US-source income subject to reporting (rents, royalties, investments)
• A self-employed person reporting business income who is not eligible for an SSN

If you are eligible for a Social Security Number, you do not apply for an ITIN — you apply for the SSN instead.

ITIN vs SSN

How to apply: three official ways

The IRS accepts Form W-7 three ways. Full step-by-step detail is on the how to apply page; in short:

1. By mail to the IRS — Send Form W-7, your tax return, and original or certified-copy identity documents to the IRS ITIN unit in Austin, Texas.
2. Through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) — A CAA can verify your documents so you don’t have to mail your original passport. The IRS keeps an official CAA list.
3. In person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) — By appointment; the TAC can authenticate certain documents on the spot.

Tax credits with an ITIN

Which credits an ITIN filer can claim is the single most misunderstood part of ITIN filing — and it is the area where tax law changes most often, so treat the points below as a starting framework and confirm current-year rules before you rely on them.

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Not available to ITIN filers. The EITC requires a Social Security Number valid for employment.
• Child Tax Credit (CTC): Not available to ITIN-only filers since the 2025 tax law. The qualifying child has always needed an SSN; beginning with 2025 returns the taxpayer must also have one (on a joint return, at least one spouse). An ITIN parent claims the $500 ODC for the child instead — full credit breakdown.
• Credit for Other Dependents (ODC): A $500 nonrefundable credit that can apply to dependents who have an ITIN rather than an SSN.
• Education and child-care credits: Generally available to ITIN filers who otherwise qualify, subject to each credit’s own rules.

Because eligibility turns on your exact filing status, residency, and each family member’s tax ID, read the filing taxes with an ITIN page and, for anything case-specific, consult a CPA or Enrolled Agent.

Common ITIN myths

• “Filing taxes with an ITIN will get me deported.” Filing is a tax act, not an immigration act. An ITIN exists so people who can’t get an SSN can still meet a tax obligation; it does not decide immigration cases. If you have concerns, talk to an immigration attorney.
• “An ITIN means I can work legally.” No. An ITIN never grants work authorization.
• “My ITIN never expires.” It does — after three consecutive years without a filed return.
• “There’s a government fee for an ITIN.” Filing Form W-7 directly with the IRS is free; only private agents may charge for their service.
• “An ITIN gives me Social Security or Medicare.” It does not provide any federal benefits.

Official IRS resources

• ITIN — main page
• Form W-7 (ITIN application)
• Official list of Certified Acceptance Agents (CAA)
• Find an IRS TAC office
• Find a free VITA site

Last verified: 2026-06-03.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws, fees, and credit rules change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed tax professional (CPA or Enrolled Agent) or an immigration attorney.

Related procedural information

• ITIN-friendly business banking — checking and savings accounts that open without an SSN
• Build credit with an ITIN — secured cards and credit-builder products
• ITIN mortgages — home loans for ITIN holders
• Form an LLC to structure your business income — pass-through tax treatment for ITIN holders
• State driver’s license requirements (DMV) — license status can affect residency for state tax
• Check your ITIN status and expiration timeline — confirm whether your ITIN is active or has lapsed