What is an ITIN?
If you are a Non-US citizen operating in the states, then you must have heard of the term ITIN and how important it is for you to obtain it. ITIN is known as the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS. As already made clear, it is a unique ID used by the individuals to pay their taxes. For US citizens, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues a Social Security Number (SSN) which is used to pay individual taxes. However, individuals who cannot obtain an SSN or are not eligible to obtain it must have an ITIN in order to pay their taxes.
Who needs it?
If you are still not sure whether you need to apply for an ITIN or not, then below are the questions you must ask yourself?
- Do you not have an SSN or are you not eligible for it?
- Are you a non-resident alien filing a US federal tax return?
- Are you a Non-US Resident who needs to file a tax return?
- Are you a dependent or spouse of a person who is a US resident?
- Are you a dependent or spouse of a non-resident visa holder?
- Are you a non-resident who needs to claim for a tax treaty?
- Are you a non-resident researcher, student or professor who needs to file a US tax return or file for an exception?
