International Students: Getting Your Itin Number Easily

International students may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they have taxable income but are ineligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). An ITIN is a unique tax-processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who need to report income but cannot obtain an SSN. International students can apply for an ITIN at any time of the year when they have a tax-filing requirement.

Who needs an ITIN number?

An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the US tax collection agency. An ITIN is for non-residents who need to file a tax return because of taxable income but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). SSNs are only issued to non-residents who are employed.

If you are an international student with a scholarship, fellowship, grant, or non-employment stipend, you may need an ITIN for reporting purposes. You will need an ITIN if you have a federal tax purpose and are not eligible for an SSN. This includes if you need to:

• File a U.S. federal income tax return
• Claim a refund or allowable tax benefit or report income by filing a tax return
• Be claimed as a spouse or dependent for an allowable tax benefit
• Provide a tax identification number for another federal tax purpose

ITINs are available to non-residents, non-resident aliens, and even tax filers who live abroad. Both resident and non-resident aliens may obtain ITINs regardless of immigration status. Non-resident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents can apply for an ITIN if they are not eligible for an SSN.

To apply for an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number". This application will require your identification documents, such as a passport, driver's license, or state-issued ID, and foreign status or immigration documents in original form or certified copies.

How to apply for an ITIN number

As an international student, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you need to report income but are ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). You will need an ITIN if you are not working but still need to report taxable non-wage income, such as scholarships, grants, or fellowships.

To apply for an ITIN, you will need to submit Form W-7, "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number," along with a U.S. tax return. You can submit your application at any time of the year when you have a tax filing requirement. You can coordinate with your international student office to collect, verify, and submit your application once you arrive on campus. Alternatively, you can submit your application by mail, accompanied by original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency to establish your identity and foreign status. A foreign passport can stand alone as proof of both foreign status and identity. If you do not have a passport, you must submit a combination of at least two other documents, with at least one containing a photograph.

The IRS will also accept copies of original documents if they have been properly certified by the issuing agency. If you need your original documents for any purpose within 60 days of submitting your application, you may wish to apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent in the United States or abroad.

Once you have submitted your application, it will take the IRS approximately 7-11 weeks to issue your ITIN. You can check the status of your application by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040. After receiving your ITIN, you may be able to use it to access U.S. financial products, such as applying for a bank account and credit card at many U.S. banks.

Documents required for application

As an international student, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you need to report income but are ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). To apply for an ITIN, you must submit the following documents:

• Form W-7, "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number", with a U.S. tax return.
• Documents that prove your identity and foreign status, such as your foreign passport and visa stamp. A foreign passport is the only document that can stand alone; if a passport is not submitted, a combination of at least two other documents, with at least one containing a photograph, must be submitted.
• If you have received a taxable scholarship, grant, or fellowship from a U.S. source, you must submit a certification letter (with your full name and SEVIS number) from your university in place of submitting a tax return.

The IRS will accept copies of original documents, if the copies have been properly certified by the issuing agency. You can apply for an ITIN at any time of the year where you have a tax filing requirement.

How long does it take to get an ITIN number?

The time it takes to get an ITIN number can vary depending on several factors, including the time of year, the method of application, and the completeness of the application package. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

Application Processing Time

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it can take up to 7 weeks to receive a notification about your ITIN application status. If you apply during the tax season (January 15 to April 30) or from overseas, the process can take even longer, ranging from 9 to 11 weeks.

In-Person Verification

If you choose to submit your application by mail, you must include original supporting documents or certified copies. However, this can be a challenging process for applicants, as obtaining certified copies of identity documents may be difficult. As an alternative, applicants can take their documents to a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) or a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) for in-person verification. This option allows applicants to retain their original documents, but it's important to note that not all TACs provide ITIN-related services, and the availability of these services may be limited to specific business hours.

Application Completeness

To avoid delays, ensure that your ITIN application package is complete before submission. This includes including your tax return, Form W-7, and any other required documentation. The IRS will enter the ITIN on your return when they issue it, so it is crucial to have all the necessary components in place.

Extension Option

If you need more time to file your tax return, you can apply for an extension by the April tax filing due date. This extension will give you until October 15 to file without incurring any penalties. However, it's important to note that this extension is only for filing your return, and any taxes owed must still be paid by the original April filing date.

What is an ITIN number used for?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who need to report income but are ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. ITINs are used for federal tax purposes only and do not authorize the holder to work legally in the US.

ITINs are used by foreign nationals and other individuals who are not eligible for an SSN to comply with US tax laws. This includes non-resident international students who have taxable income, such as from scholarships, but are not employed and therefore ineligible for an SSN.

ITINs are also used by dependents or spouses of US citizens or lawful permanent residents, as well as dependents or spouses of foreign nationals on temporary visas. In some states, ITINs can be used instead of an SSN to receive a driver's license, driver's permit, or state identification card. Additionally, individuals with an ITIN may be able to open interest-bearing bank accounts.

To apply for an ITIN, individuals must submit Form W-7, "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number," along with a US tax return. The ITIN assignment date is generally the date the IRS receives the application package, and the number will be written on the individual's tax return before processing. It is important to note that an ITIN does not provide legal immigration status or work authorization.

Frequently asked questions