Most U.S. citizens use a Social Security number (SSN) as their identification number when they do their taxes. However, many non-U.S. citizens who don’t qualify for an SSN earn income in this country and have tax obligations. If you don’t qualify for an SSN, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file your return instead.
How to file taxes without Social Security number
Filing taxes without a SSN is possible with an ITIN. You can apply for an ITIN by completing Form W-7. Once you receive your ITIN, you can use it on your federal tax return just like an SSN.
If you file your return without an SSN or an ITIN and you owe money to the IRS, they will still process your return. However, if you’re owed a refund, it will be held until you provide an ITIN or SSN.
Who needs an ITIN?
If you are required to file a tax return but do not qualify for an SSN, you should apply for an ITIN. If your dependent does not qualify for an SSN but you want to claim them on your return, they will also need an ITIN.
Both resident and nonresident aliens can get ITINs, regardless of their immigration status. The bottom line is that if you need to file a tax return, you can apply for an ITIN.
What can I do with an ITIN?
An ITIN is used as a form of identification for taxpayers who don’t have a SSN. In addition to paying your taxes, you may be able to use an ITIN for:
- Opening a bank account
- Obtaining a mortgage
- Starting a business
While an ITIN allows you to pay taxes, it does not:
- Allow you to work in the U.S. legally
- Change your immigration status
- Help you qualify for benefits like Social Security or tax breaks like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
How do I get an ITIN?
You apply for an ITIN by submitting Form W-7 to the IRS. You can mail your application or schedule an in-person appointment to get assistance from an IRS agent. There is no cost to apply for an ITIN.
If you send in a completed ITIN application, the IRS will send you a letter assigning you an ITIN within seven weeks. However, the processing time may take up to 15 weeks if you send in an application during peak tax time (usually Jan. 15– Apr. 30).
You can contact the IRS to check the status of your ITIN application within seven weeks of its submission.
Does an ITIN expire?
If you don’t use your ITIN on a federal tax return for three years in a row, it will expire on December 31 of the third year. To renew your expiring ITIN, you need to complete a new Form W-7. Renewing your ITIN won’t revoke your previously assigned number.
How to fill out Form W-7
The application requires basic information, such as name, mailing address, and birth date. You will also give the reason why you need an ITIN and some other information, like your U.S. visa number, if you have one.
To get an ITIN, you must verify both your identity and foreign status. You’ll need to provide up to two of the following forms of identification:
- A passport (verifies identity and foreign status)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo ID (verifies identity and foreign status)
- U.S. Department of State-issued Visa
- U.S. or foreign-issued driver’s license (verifies identity only)
- U.S. military ID card (verifies identity only)
- Foreign military ID card (verifies identity and foreign status)
- National ID card with name, address, photo, date of birth, and expiration date (verifies identity and foreign status)
- U.S. state ID card (verifies identity only)
- Foreign voter registration card (verifies identity and foreign status)
- Birth certificate (verifies identity and foreign status)
- Medical records for dependents under age 6 (verifies identity and foreign status)
School records for a dependent student under age 18, if still a student (verifies identity and foreign status)
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
Navigating taxes without an SSN can be challenging. This section addresses common questions about filing taxes using alternatives, such as an ITIN, to ensure compliance.
Can I receive a W-2 with an ITIN?
If you completed your employee onboarding paperwork using your ITIN, you should receive a W-2 with your ITIN listed on it. You should then be able to file a tax return using your ITIN.
Can you claim someone on your taxes if they don’t have a Social Security number?
The IRS requires that any dependent claimed on your tax return must have a SSN or an ITIN. Any dependent without a SSN would need to apply for an ITIN for you to claim them.
Can I get a tax refund with an ITIN number?
Yes. To receive a tax refund using an ITIN, file your tax return with the ITIN in place of an SSN and claim any eligible deductions or credits. Once your return is processed by the IRS, you will receive your refund either via direct deposit or a paper check.
Can I file my taxes online with an ITIN?
Yes, you can file a tax return with an ITIN quickly and securely with TaxSlayer. Start for free and get your maximum refund guaranteed!
