The Individual Tax Identification Number, or ITIN, allows taxpayers who don't have a Social Security Number (SSN) to file income tax returns. Unlike other forms of ID, ITINs only have one purpose—tax filing and reporting. Having an ITIN number won't make you eligible for benefits, such as Social Security or earned income credits that provide refunds to some low-income filers.
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Those affected by Hurricane Beryl in Texas and Hurricane Debby in some states in the Southeastern United States have more time to file federal tax returns and make certain tax payments. The additional time allowed by the IRS includes tax returns that were extended by the original April 15, 2024, deadline as well as certain payments that are normally due after the storms impacted these people. The IRS news release regarding Hurricane Beryl provides details for more information on the extensions for those impacted in Texas while the IRS news releases regarding Hurricane Debby provides details about those impacted in the Eastern U.S.
Both resident and nonresident aliens may obtain ITINs regardless of immigration status. Nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses and dependents can apply for an ITIN if they are not eligible for an SSN. Here’s who might need an ITIN:
Tax filers who live abroad can also obtain an ITIN.
The ITIN is a nine-digit number that's formatted similarly to an SSN. To apply for an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This single-page application will require your:
If you’ve used an ITIN in the past, you must provide the prior identification number on your application.
You can apply for an ITIN either before your income tax return is due or at the time of filing.
For most taxpayers, the due date to file an income tax return this year is April 15, 2024. Submitting an application past the tax due date may result in interest or penalties, so apply for an ITIN either before your income tax return is due or at the time of filing.
You should expect to hear back from the IRS about your approval status after no more than seven weeks — look for a letter in the mail with your ITIN when your application is approved.
Double-check your application for missing pieces of information or errors before you submit it, as applications that are incomplete (for example, lacking proper identification or immigration documents) can take longer than seven weeks to process. If seven weeks go by and you haven’t received a response, you can check the status of your ITIN application by calling the IRS toll-free at 800-829-1040.
Other options for applying for an ITIN:
ITINs that have not been used on a tax return for Tax Year 2020, Tax Year 2021 or Tax Year 2022 will expire December 31, 2023. Unless you will not need to file an income tax return next year, you will likely need to renew your ITIN if you fit either of the above two categories.
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