Ask the Taxgirl: ¿Cómo puedo obtener un ITIN? (How Do I Get a TIN?)

2008 February 4
tags: , , ,
by Kelly

Taxpayer asks:
¿Cómo puedo obtener un ITIN?
(How can I get an ITIN?)

Taxgirl says:

Since I get a lot of variations on a theme of this question (SSN/EIN/ITIN), I will answer a bunch of them at one time:

To get a SSN (Social Security Number), you will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card (available online, as a pdf download here or by calling 1.800.772.1213). You also must submit evidence of your identity, age and US citizenship or lawful alien status.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is also known as a federal tax identification number and is used to identify a business entity. To get an EIN, you will need to complete form SS-4 (available here as pdf download or you can apply online).

IRS issues ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for SSNs. An ITIN is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a SSN. An ITIN is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number “9″, formatted like an SSN. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (downloadable here as a pdf). You will have to show proof of foreign/alien status.

If you have questions about which number is most appropriate for you, contact your tax professional. If you cannot afford legal or accounting services, do not ignore the ITIN requirement - you may be missing out on tax or other benefits that you would be entitled to receive. Contact legal services in your town or county - you might be eligible for free legal aid.

Like any good lawyer, I need to add a disclaimer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.

Have a question? Ask the Taxgirl!

from → ask the taxgirl, individual, international, tax policy

8 Comments leave one →
2008 February 16
Ok, so who DOESN’T get a rebate?

[...] you do not have a valid Social Security Number (if you need more information about how to get one, check here). It’s important to note that ITINs are NOT sufficient. 5, You will NOT qualify for a tax [...]

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2008 March 17
Around The Business Channel: Taxgirl

[...] you do not have a valid Social Security Number (if you need more information about how to get one, check here). It’s important to note that ITINs are NOT [...]

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2008 April 10
denise

hi, i have been reading your comments and i am wondering if the person who has an ITIN don’t qualify for the tax rebate, what about the other people who do have a valid SS# and are US CITIZENS BY BIRTH. My daughters and I are US CITIZENS but my husband is not.Do we qualify or because my husband USES/HAS an ITIN WE LOSE OUT!

2008 April 22
MEL

IF A PERSON WORKS FOR A COMPANY UNDER THE NAME OF JOE BUT IN REALLTY THE PERSON’S REAL NAME IS TOM AND THE ITIN IS UNDER THE NAME OF TOM AND W2 UNDER THE NAME OF JOE. CAN TOM DO HIS TAXES WITH JOE’S W2.

2008 April 23
julieth

my spouse is a us citizen and he files for taxes but we got married on juli 28 2007 and we had file papers for a green card but they got lost and we need to refile so i haven’t receive a ssn and my husband can’t file tax with me and he is suppose to receive about $7.000 of return tax but since he can’t claim me because i don;t have a ssn he won’t get any of it back, i was told that i can apply for a itin so he cn file taxes with me as a married person and father but i don’t know if i am aligable for an itin, what do you think?

2008 April 24
Kelly

If you have not yet filed for a SSN and you are not eligible for a SSN, you do need to file for an ITIN; if your spouse is a citizen, you would qualify. If your SSN application is pending (I can’t tell from your comment), you should not file for an ITIN.

2008 April 24
Kelly

Mel: No, the IRS will catch this. And I think you’re begging for trouble. You need to consult with an attorney.

2008 April 24
Kelly

Denise, I think you do lose out since folks who use ITINs don’t qualify. If you have income, you might want to consider filing separately to take advantage of your SSN. Of course, this could also result in a greater tax liability depending on your situation - make sure that you check with your tax preparer.

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