ITIN Frequently Asked Questions (2026)

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS under IRC Section 6109. The IRS assigns ITINs to individuals who need to file US taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. This includes non-resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents. The format is 9XX-XX-XXXX, and the IRS has issued over 4.7 million active ITINs as of 2025.

Non-US residents who earn income in the United States or have US tax filing obligations need an ITIN. This includes Amazon FBA sellers, freelancers working with US clients on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, real estate investors with US property, international students with US income, H-4 visa dependents, F-1 visa holders, and anyone who needs to file a US tax return but cannot get a Social Security Number. The IRS requires an ITIN under IRC Section 6109 for tax compliance.

An SSN (Social Security Number) is for US citizens and authorized permanent residents. An ITIN is for people who need a US tax ID but are not eligible for an SSN. Both are 9 digits, but ITINs always begin with the number 9. An ITIN does not provide work authorization. It is strictly for tax purposes. If you later receive an SSN, the IRS will consolidate your records, and you stop using the ITIN.

An ITIN identifies an individual person for tax purposes. An EIN (Employer Identification Number) identifies a business entity. Many non-US entrepreneurs need both: an ITIN for personal tax filing and an EIN for their US LLC or corporation. They serve completely different purposes. You can apply for an EIN after receiving your ITIN.

You apply by completing IRS Form W-7 and submitting it with your identity documents. The fastest method is through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (like itin.so) who certifies your documents under IRS Publication 1915 so you do not need to mail your original passport. You can also mail your application directly to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas, or visit 1 of 382 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in person.

You need a completed Form W-7, proof of identity, proof of foreign status, and a valid reason for needing an ITIN (such as a tax return or W-8BEN form). The IRS accepts 13 types of identity documents: passport, national ID card, US driver's license, birth certificate, foreign driver's license, US state ID, foreign voter registration card, US military ID, foreign military ID, US visa, USCIS photo ID, medical records (dependents under 6), and school records (dependents under 18). A passport is the only standalone document that proves both identity and foreign status.

Yes. Most ITIN applicants live outside the US. itin.so serves clients in 150+ countries. You can apply by mail or through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent. Our service handles the entire process online: we prepare your W-7, review your documents via secure video verification, and submit everything to the IRS on your behalf. No US travel is required.

Not if you use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). A CAA certifies your identity documents using IRS Form 13551 (Certificate of Accuracy) so you keep your originals. If you apply by mail without a CAA, you must send your original passport to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas. The IRS returns documents within 60 days, but during that time you cannot travel internationally. Using a CAA like itin.so eliminates this risk entirely.

A Certifying Acceptance Agent is a person or organization authorized by the IRS under Publication 1915 to verify identity documents for ITIN applications. CAAs must pass an IRS suitability check, complete approved training, and maintain annual certification. CAAs certify copies of your passport and other documents so you do not need to send originals to the IRS. itin.so partners with IRS-authorized CAAs to provide this service remotely to applicants in 150+ countries.

There are two parts to the timeline. First, your application needs to be prepared and submitted. Our Standard service takes 7-10 business days, Express takes 2-3 business days. Second, the IRS processes your application, which currently takes 6-11 weeks according to IRS processing data. The IRS timeline is the same regardless of how you apply. Total time from start to ITIN in hand: 8-14 weeks with Standard, 7-12 weeks with Express.

The IRS charges zero fees for the ITIN itself. Professional preparation services cost $200 to $500+. At itin.so, Standard service is $197 (7-10 business day preparation) and Express is $297 (2-3 business day preparation with money-back guarantee). Both include Form W-7 preparation, document review, CAA certification, and IRS submission. No hidden fees, no upsells.

You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to check your ITIN status. You need your name, date of birth, and the address on your W-7 form. The IRS does not offer online ITIN status checking. Wait at least 7 weeks after submission before calling. Our Express customers receive WhatsApp updates throughout the process. You can also track your application through our status page.

The IRS sends Notice CP567 explaining why your application was denied. Common reasons include incomplete Form W-7, insufficient identity documents, or not meeting eligibility requirements under IRC Section 6109. You can reapply by correcting the issues and resubmitting. Our Express service includes a full money-back guarantee if the IRS declines due to a preparation error on our part.

Yes. Over 15 US banks accept an ITIN for account opening. Mercury, Wise, Relay, Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and several credit unions allow ITIN holders to open personal and business accounts. An ITIN is often the first step for non-US residents who need US banking access for business operations or investment income.

Yes. Several US credit card issuers accept ITIN holders. Capital One, Deserve, and OpenSky are popular options. Most applicants start with secured credit cards requiring a $200-$500 deposit. This allows non-US residents to build a US credit history, which is valuable for future mortgage applications, business financing, and establishing a US credit score with all 3 bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

No. An ITIN does not provide work authorization in the United States. It is strictly a tax processing number under IRC Section 6109. If you need to work legally in the US, you need an SSN, which requires proper work authorization (such as an H-1B visa, L-1 visa, or green card). Using an ITIN for employment is a violation of federal law.

Yes. ITINs that have not been used on a federal tax return at least once in the last 3 consecutive tax years expire on December 31 of the third year. ITINs with middle digits 70-88 have already expired under the IRS rolling expiration schedule (IRS Notice 2016-48). Expired ITINs can be renewed by filing Form W-7 with the renewal box checked. The renewal fee at itin.so is $97.

Yes. You renew an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the renewal checkbox marked in Box 6f and submitting updated identity documents. The process mirrors the original application. The IRS processes renewals in 6-11 weeks. Family members with ITINs expiring in the same year can renew together. Our ITIN renewal service handles the entire process for $97, including document review and IRS submission.

Yes. Over 20 US lenders offer mortgage products to ITIN holders. Requirements vary by lender but in most cases include: an active ITIN, proof of income (2 years of tax returns), a US bank account, and a down payment of 15-25%. Interest rates for ITIN mortgages run 1-2% higher than conventional loans. ITIN mortgages are common for real estate investors and immigrants building assets in the US.

Yes. Filing taxes is the primary purpose of an ITIN under IRC Section 6109. You use your ITIN in place of an SSN on your tax return. Non-resident aliens use Form 1040-NR, while resident aliens use the standard Form 1040. An ITIN is required to file, claim tax treaty benefits, and receive any applicable refunds. Over 4.7 million taxpayers file using ITINs each year.