Who Needs an ITIN?

• If you do not have an SSN and are not eligible for one, you may be eligible to receive an ITIN if you: want to claim a tax treaty benefit; are a nonresident alien filing a U.S. tax return; are a nonresident alien filing a U.S. tax return to get a refund; are a U.S. resident alien who needs to file a tax return; or a student, professor or researcher who is a nonresident alien filing a U.S. tax return.
  
  

ITIN Acceptance Agents

• An ITIN acceptance agent can assist you with getting an ITIN. The agent will review your documents to ensure that you are eligible to receive a number and will help you fill out the form. Agents can be found in almost every locale and range from agents at nonprofit organizations who assist people within the organization to private firms who charge a fee to help you fill out the application.
  
  

Caution

• An ITIN's purpose is to enable people ineligible for SSNs to file taxes. Unlike an SSN, it cannot be used as proof of eligibility for employment. It is against the law to obtain and use an ITIN to give to a prospective landlord for a credit search or to open a bank account.
  
  

How to Get an ITIN

• In general, to get an ITIN you must fill out Form W-7 and attach it to a federal income tax return. The IRS takes approximately six to nine weeks to process ITIN applications, after which time it will send you a letter in the mail with your ITIN. You will not receive an ITIN card -- your letter will be the only proof of your ITIN.