What is an ITIN?

The Facts About the Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

Stimulus checks were sent by the federal government this week. However, millions of immigrants who pay billions in taxes were left out if they paid through the Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), rather than a Social Security number.

The Supreme Court could make a decision on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals as soon as this week. For over two decades, lawmakers have introduced policies to protect young undocumented immigrants.


What is an ITIN?

It was created for tax purposes.  The ITIN program was created by the IRS in July 1996 so that foreign nationals and other individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN) can pay the taxes they are legally required to pay.

ITINs are not SSNs.  The ITIN is a nine-digit number that always begins with the number 9 and has a 7 or 8 in the fourth digit, for example 9XX-7X-XXXX.

Many immigrants have ITINs. People who do not have a lawful status in the United States may obtain an ITIN. In addition, the following people are lawfully in the country and must pay taxes but may not be eligible for a SSN and may obtain an ITIN:

A non-resident foreign national who owns or invests in a U.S. business and receives taxable income from that U.S. business, but lives in another country.

A foreign national student who qualifies as a resident of the United States (based on days present in the United States).

A dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

A dependent or spouse of a foreign national on a temporary visa.