ITINs help the IRS to collect billions of dollars that the federal government would otherwise be unable to collect. This fact sheet describes what ITINs are, who owns them, and what they’re used for. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to a person who has to report income but is not qualified for a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration.

What is an ITIN?

The ITIN was created for tax purpose

The IRS issued the ITIN in July 1996 to assist foreign immigrants and those who do not qualify for a Social Security number to comply with US tax regulations.

ITINs are not SSNs

The ITIN is a nine-digit number that always starts with 9 and has a range of numbers for the fourth and fifth digits from 50 to 65, 70 to 88, 90 to 92, and 94 to 99. The ITIN is formatted in a specific way.

Many immigrants have ITINs

Apply for an ITIN and can be obtained by those who do not have legal status in the United States. Other people who are legally present in the country and must pay taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security number, such as:

• A non-resident foreign individual who does business or trade in the United States and earns money in the United States but live in another country.
• A non-resident foreign student, professor and researcher filing a tax return in the United States.
• A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident’s dependent or spouse.
• A foreign national’s dependent or spouse who is on a temporary visa.

Basic ways you can complete the ITIN application

Taxpayer assistance centers:

Staff at some IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers can assist you in completing W-7 forms, determining which documents are acceptable, and confirming the validity of identity documents. You’ll need to make an appointment.

Acceptance agents:

An IRS-approved Acceptance Agent can review identity documents, confirm that they are valid, and submit the application to the IRS. Agents provide the original paperwork (or copies certified by the original issuing agency) to the IRS for dependents applying for an ITIN.

Self preparation:

You can submit an application to the IRS directly. Original documentation or certified copies of these documents must be included with Form W-7s. All documentation must be mailed to the IRS Service Center in Austin, Texas, along with the tax return.

How to get an ITIN number?

The IRS requires ITIN applicants to mail their passports and/or other qualifying documents proving their citizenship and identify to the IRS.

Individuals who do not have dependents and employ a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) can apply for an ITIN while keeping their original documentation.

What is a Chief Financial Offer?

The USAIndiaCFO responsibilities include cash flow tracking and financial planning, as well as reviewing the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses and recommending corrective steps. A CFO’s job is similar to that of a treasurer or controller in that they are in charge of directing the finance and accounting departments, as well as ensuring that the company’s finances are in order and that financial reports are accurate and timely.