What is an ITIN and Who Needs One?

  If you're an international student studying in the United States, you may be eligible for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). While an ITIN is primarily used for tax purposes , it can also offer several other benefits to international students. Here are some of the main advantages of having an ITIN as an international student: File Taxes and Claim Refunds: Even if you are not earning income in the U.S., you may be required to file a tax return if you received a scholarship or grant. Having an ITIN will allow you to file your taxes and claim any tax refunds you may be entitled to. Open a Bank Account: Many banks require a valid identification number, such as an ITIN, to open a bank account. By having an ITIN, you can establish credit and financial history in the U.S. which can be useful in the future when applying for loans or credit cards. Apply for a Credit Card: As an international student, it may be difficult to qualify for a credit card without a U.S. credit

  "ITIN vs. EIN: Understanding the Difference" If you're a non-U.S. resident and planning to start a business in the United States, you may be wondering about the tax identification numbers you need. Two of the most commonly used tax identification numbers are the ITIN and EIN. While these numbers are similar in many ways, there are some key differences that you need to understand. ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or open a U.S. bank account. ITINs are primarily used by non-U.S. residents, including foreign students, foreign workers, and other non-U.S. citizens who have income or other tax obligations in the United States. On the other hand, EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to businesses and other entities that have employees or engage in certain type

  An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who do not have a Social Security number (SSN) and need to file U.S. tax returns. ITINs are used for tax purposes only and do not serve as a form of identification. Who needs an ITIN? Nonresident who are required to file a U.S. tax return, but do not qualify for an SSN, can apply for an ITIN. Other individuals who may need an ITIN include foreign investors who receive income from U.S. sources, dependents or spouses of U.S. citizens or residents who do not qualify for an SSN, and foreign students who receive scholarships or stipends from U.S. sources. If you need an ITIN, you can apply by completing Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Be prepared to provide documentation to verify your identity and foreign status. ITIN applications can take up to 11 weeks to process, so plan accordingly.