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The Global Insight

Can you file taxes without ITIN or SSN?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on March 06, 2026

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) lets you file an income tax return if you do not have a valid Social Security Number. The ITIN is a 9 digit number that you can request and receive from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

What is US tax identification number SSN or ITIN?

ITIN. An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number “9”, formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

Is an ITIN a resident alien?

A foreign person, who doesn’t have and can’t get an SSN, must use an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). A foreign person may be a resident alien for income tax purposes based on his or her days of presence in the United States.

Can I use ITIN instead of SSN?

The main purpose of the nine-digit ITIN is that it can be used in place of an SSN for purposes of filing income taxes or claiming various tax credits (such as the child care credit for a U.S. citizen or lawful resident child). The employer can easily check a government database to see whether you have a valid SSN.

Can I hire an illegal immigrant with an ITIN number?

For individuals, there are three possibilities: U.S. Citizen; U.S. Resident Alien; Or, Nonresident Alien. Remember, it is against federal law to hire illegal aliens. Foreign individuals may have an ITIN if they need an I.D. for U.S. tax purposes, but an ITIN is not a “work permit”.

Can I get a tax refund with an ITIN number?

The Individual Tax Identification Number, or ITIN, allows taxpayers who don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN) to file income tax returns. 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.

Can an illegal alien get a tax ID number?

ITIN Facts An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who do not have U.S. Social Security Numbers, including undocumented immigrants. An ITIN allows the holder to pay U.S. income taxes regardless of their immigration status.

What is my US taxpayer ID number?

A tax identification number (TIN) is a unique nine-digit number that identifies you to the IRS. It’s required on your tax return and requested in other IRS interactions. Social Security numbers are the most popular tax ID numbers, but four other kinds are popular too: the ITIN, EIN, ATIN and PTIN.

Can an illegal alien get an ITIN number?

The reality is that undocumented immigrants have tax responsibilities just like any U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. While undocumented individuals may not qualify to file and pay taxes with a social security number, they can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Does a nonresident alien need an ITIN?

Yes, non-resident aliens need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they are required to file a U.S. tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Fortunately, applying for an ITIN is convenient. You can complete a W7 form online.

What’s the difference between a Social Security number and an ITIN?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is: A nine-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration to an individual for tax and wage reporting purposes An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is: A nine-digit number assigned to an individual who is required to have a tax identification number,…

Can a foreign person get an individual tax ID number ( Itin )?

Can You claim earned income credit with an ITIN?

NOTE: You cannot claim the earned income credit using an ITIN. Foreign persons who are individuals should apply for a social security number (SSN, if permitted) on Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration, or should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on Form W-7.

What do I need to send to IRS for ITIN assignment?

Include your complete name, mailing address, and ITIN along with a copy of your social security card and a copy of the CP 565, Notice of ITIN Assignment, if available. The IRS will void the ITIN and associate all prior tax information filed under the ITIN with the SSN.