How to Find ITIN Number?

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN number)  is for individuals who do not have a Social Security Number, the process of obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is important in accessing various financial services and meeting tax obligations. Knowing the basic steps, documents, and topics that will help the ITIN number application process go smoothly will ensure easy access to this identification number.

If you previously received an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number but can’t remember the number,

• Check Previous Tax Returns
• Contact the IRS
• Review IRS Correspondence
• Request Tax Return Transcripts
• Check ITIN Notification Letter
• Consult a Tax Professional

What is ITIN?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS issues ITINs to people who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but do not have a Social Security number and are not eligible to receive one.

ITINs help comply with US tax laws. For those who are not eligible to receive an SSN, tax returns and payments must be efficiently processed and accounted for. This is why an ITIN is needed. Immigration status is not important to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Both resident and nonresident aliens may have filing or reporting requirements in the United States under the Internal Revenue Code. Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are required for federal tax reporting.

Requirements to have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number;

• Nonresident alien who must file a U.S. tax return
• U.S. resident alien who files a U.S. tax return (based on days in the United States)
• Dependent or spouse of a US citizen/resident alien
• Dependent or spouse of the non-resident alien visa holder
• Non-resident alien claiming tax treaty benefits
• Nonresident alien student, professor, or researcher filing a U.S. tax return or claiming an exemption

What is the ITIN Number Used for in the USA?

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is used only for federal tax reporting matters. The IRS provides an ITIN to individuals who meet the requirements to comply with U.S. tax laws and file individual tax returns and accounts.

Applying for or having an ITIN does not mean that you have a permit to work in the USA. However, with an ITIN you can become a partner or owner of a company in the United States. ITIN does not entitle you to social security benefits or earned income tax credits.

Who Provides Services for ITIN Application

Main service providers for  application;

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS is the primary authority
• Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs): CAAs are individuals or organizations authorized by the IRS.
• IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs): IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers offer in-person assistance
• Tax Preparation Companies
• Community Organizations: Some community organizations and nonprofit groups provide assistance with ITIN applications.

What is SSN?

SSN stands for Social Security Number. It is a nine-digit identification number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States. The US is intended to track this identification number for Social Security purposes such as retirement, disability, and survivorship.

Social Security Numbers are generally issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals authorized to work in the United States.

People who typically receive SSNs:

• U.S. Citizens
• Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
• Non-Citizen Residents: This includes individuals with certain types of visas, such as those with employment authorization (e.g., H-1B visa holders), refugees, and asylees.
• Temporary Workers: Individuals with temporary work visas, such as H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, or L-1 visas.
• Dependents of Social Security Number. Holders

Importance of ITIN Application

ITIN application is important for individuals who are not eligible to receive a Social Security Number (SSN) but have tax obligations or other financial activities in the United States. ITIN is a way to comply with US tax laws. Among the reasons that make ITIN application important:

Tax Compliance: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number allows individuals to file tax returns, report their income, and meet other tax obligations as required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Access to Tax Benefits: Having an ITIN enables individuals to take advantage of all the tax benefits to which they are entitled, such as credits, deductions, and exemptions under the U.S. tax code.

Legal Documents: ITIN provides individuals with an identification number that they can use for a variety of financial transactions, such as opening a bank account or applying for a loan.

Avoiding Tax Withholding: Without an ITIN or SSN, individuals may be subject to tax withholding on income earned in the United States, resulting in financial loss.

Compliance with Financial Institutions: Many financial institutions require the provision of a taxpayer identification number when conducting financial transactions. Possession of an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number demonstrates compliance with these requirements.

Access to Services: Possession of an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may be required to access certain services or benefits provided by government agencies, educational institutions, or other organizations in the United States.

What is the W-7 Form?

The W-7 form is among the first documents that must be completed for the IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Application. Used by individuals who are not eligible for an SSN but have US federal tax reporting requirements. To apply for an ITIN, form W-7 is sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Form W-7 includes questions such as:

Why does the applicant need an ITIN?

Applicant’s name, postal address and foreign address if different

Applicant’s date of birth and place of birth

Country of citizenship of the applicant

Applicant’s foreign tax identification number, if available

Applicant’s US visa number, if applicable

Details of documents submitted to verify the applicant’s identity

A tax return accompanied by one or more W-7 forms cannot be submitted electronically. You can send it in person to any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Verification and supporting documents

The documents required to obtain ITIN are determined by the IRS as 13 documents.

All documents must include name and photograph. Applying for an number must be submitted in person to the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or CAA.

Required documents;

• Passport (stand-alone document)
• National identity card (must have photo, name, current address, date of birth and expiration date)
• US driver’s license
• Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18)
• Foreign driver’s license
• US state ID card
• Foreign voter registration card
• US military ID card
• Foreign military ID card
• Visa
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
• Medical records (dependents only – under 6 years old)
• School records (dependents only – under 14, under 18 if student)

Different documents may also be needed to complete the verification process.

Among these documents

E-mail address

Smartphone or computer with camera

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number number

Proof of ITIN: CP565 Statement or bank statement showing full ITIN

Two additional documents: one primary document and one secondary document or two primary documents; One of them needs to prove your address

How to get ITIN number for free?

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number application process, conducted directly through the IRS, is free. Applicants may choose to receive assistance from Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) or other authorized representatives. Authorized representatives usually charge a fee. Although it is common for applicants to seek guidance from authorized services during the application process, these fees have nothing to do with the Internal Revenue Service.