What is an ITIN?
ITIN stands for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The ITIN program was created in 1996 for the purpose of allowing tax return filing by individuals without a Social Security account number. Receiving an ITIN number does not in itself confer the right to work and receive income in the United States.
Regardless of immigration status, both resident and nonresident immigrants may have Federal tax return and payment responsibilities under the Internal Revenue Code. Individuals must have a filing requirement and file a valid federal income tax return to receive an ITIN, unless they meet an exception. An ITIN application cannot be filed electronically (efile). The application must be attached to a valid federal income tax return.
How do know if you need an ITIN?
You need an ITIN if any of the following apply to you:
- You do not have an SSN and are not eligible to obtain one, and
- You have a requirement to furnish a federal tax identification number or file a federal tax return, and
- You are in one of the following categories:
- Nonresident alien who is required to file a U.S. tax return
- U.S. resident alien who is (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return
- Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien
- Dependent or spouse of a nonresident alien visa holder
- Nonresident alien claiming a tax treaty benefit
- Nonresident alien student, professor or researcher filing a U.S. tax return or claiming an exception
If so, then you must apply for an ITIN. Please contact us today before the December 31, 2020 deadline!