Janice Lozano
International students who need to file a tax return in the US but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a unique tax-processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to nonresidents with taxable income, such as scholarships, who need to file a tax return. To apply for an ITIN, students must submit Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, along with proof of identity and foreign status. This can be done at any time of the year and takes around 7-11 weeks to process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for an ITIN? | Nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get an SSN. |
| When to apply for an ITIN? | At any time of the year when there is a tax filing requirement. |
| How to apply for an ITIN? | Submit Form W-7, "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number" with a U.S. tax return. |
| Where to apply for an ITIN? | Submit the application to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. |
| Documents required for ITIN application | Documents that prove your identity and foreign status—your foreign passport and visa stamp. |
| Time taken to issue ITIN | Approximately 7-11 weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
Who needs an ITIN number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for federal tax purposes. It is meant for individuals who need to report their income but are ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
International students who are not eligible for an SSN but have a tax filing requirement need to obtain an ITIN. This includes students who are not working but need to report taxable non-wage income, such as scholarships, grants, or fellowships.
To apply for an ITIN, international students can coordinate with their international student office to collect, verify, and submit their application. They will need to submit Form W-7, "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number," along with identity and foreign status documents.
It is important to note that an ITIN does not authorize individuals to work legally in the US and is solely for tax purposes. ITINs are only required if there is a federal tax purpose and the individual is not eligible for an SSN.
In summary, an ITIN is needed by individuals, including international students, who have tax filing requirements in the US but are ineligible to obtain an SSN.
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How to apply for an ITIN number
As an international student, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you have a valid tax reason for needing one. This could be because you have taxable non-wage income, such as scholarships, grants, or fellowships, and are ineligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).
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 apply at any time of the year when you have a tax filing requirement. You can either mail this form to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or submit it in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. The address for mailing Form W-7 is:
Internal Revenue Service Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
When submitting Form W-7, you must also provide proof of your identity and foreign status. A foreign passport is the only document that can establish both your identity and foreign status. If you are unable to submit a passport, you must provide at least two other documents, with at least one containing a photograph. The IRS lists 13 documents that can be used to prove your identity and foreign status in the instructions for Form W-7.
Alternatively, you can apply for an ITIN through a Certifying Acceptance Agent, either in the United States or abroad. This option does not require you to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents. You can coordinate with your international student office to collect, verify, and submit your application once you have arrived on campus.
After submitting 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. Once you have received your ITIN, remember to notify the relevant offices, such as your university's human resources department, to update your records.
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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," along 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 to establish both foreign status and identity. If you do not have a passport, you must submit at least two other documents, with at least one containing a photograph.
- If you are receiving 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 instead of a tax return.
It is important to note that you can apply for an ITIN 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. The IRS will assign an ITIN number within approximately seven weeks of receiving a complete application.
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Time taken to receive an ITIN number
As an international student, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) 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.
To apply for an ITIN, you must submit Form W-7, "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number," with a U.S. tax return. Alternatively, you can submit Form W-7 (SP) if you require the form in Spanish.
Once submitted, it will take the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approximately 7–11 weeks to issue your ITIN. You can check the status of your ITIN number application by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
You will need an ITIN to pay taxes on non-wage income if you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN). Common examples of taxable non-wage income for international students include scholarships, grants, or fellowships received from U.S. sources. However, if your scholarship, grant, or fellowship is applied directly against tuition or received from a foreign entity, you do not need to apply for an ITIN to report taxes on it.
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Using an ITIN number to access financial products
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). International students who are not working but need to report taxable non-wage income, such as scholarships, grants, or fellowships, can apply for an ITIN.
An ITIN can be used to access various financial products and services in the United States. Here are some ways international students can use their ITIN to build financial stability:
Opening a Bank Account: An ITIN can be used to open a bank account at financial institutions that accept ITINs instead of an SSN. This provides access to essential banking services such as direct deposit, bill payments, and money transfers. It also offers convenience through online banking and helps build a credit history.
Applying for Loans: With an ITIN, individuals can apply for various types of loans, including small business loans, personal loans, and auto loans. These loans can help entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses, cover unexpected expenses, or purchase vehicles.
Credit Cards: Some banks and credit card companies allow individuals to apply for a credit card using their ITIN. This can be a great way to build credit history and access additional financial services.
Mortgage Loans: ITIN mortgage loans are also available, helping undocumented immigrants achieve the dream of financial stability and homeownership.
College Savings Plans: In some states, individuals with an ITIN can open a college savings plan with tax benefits, known as a 529 plan.
By utilising these options, international students with an ITIN can take control of their financial future, access essential financial services, and work towards their financial goals in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for nonresidents who need to file a tax return because of taxable income but are ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
International students who are not working but need to report taxable non-wage income to the IRS, such as scholarships, grants, or fellowships, will need an ITIN. If you are employed or intend to start working soon, you should apply for an SSN instead.
You can apply for an ITIN at any time of the year where you have a tax filing requirement. To apply, submit Form W-7, "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number," along with a U.S. tax return and documents proving your identity and foreign status. You can coordinate with your international student office to collect, verify, and submit your application.
The IRS will assign an ITIN within approximately seven to eleven weeks of receiving a completed application. You can check the status of your ITIN application by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
Once you receive your ITIN, contact your institution's human resources department to update your record with the number. You may also be able to use your ITIN to access U.S. financial products, such as applying for a bank account and credit card at select institutions.
