Is an ITIN the same as a SSN?

Asked by: Fay Hegmann  |  Last update: January 24, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (39 votes)

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, not the Social Security Administration. It is not the same as an SSN, an ITIN is not to be used for employment purposes. An ITIN number is only used for tax purposes.

Can I use my ITIN number as a Social Security?

An ITIN is issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes only. An ITIN doesn't: Qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Is it better to use ITIN or SSN?

Usually an ITIN is applied when there is no social security number available or you are waiting for the social security number after apply. If you have both numbers and they are issued by the government , I will suggest you to use the social security number.

Can I use my SSN instead of a TIN?

You should use your TIN* for verification anytime you contact us about your business account. The only exception is if you're the sole proprietor of the business. In this case, please use your SSN** instead.

Can you use ITIN instead of SSN for work?

Do not accept an ITIN in place of an SSN for employee identification or for work. An ITIN is only available to resident and nonresident aliens who are not eligible for US employment and need identification for other tax purposes.

Social Security Number (SSN) vs. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): The Differences

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Can I legally hire someone with an ITIN number?

While an ITIN doesn't grant work authorization, California law allows employers to hire workers who file taxes with an ITIN. These workers are still required to pay taxes, including Social Security and Medicare, even if they don't qualify for the benefits associated with these taxes.

Can undocumented immigrants work with ITIN?

No. An ITIN does not provide work authorization or legal status.

Can I work in the US with an ITIN number?

ITINs do not authorize a person to work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits. Tax returns filed with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number reporting wages paid are required to show the Social Security Number under which the wages were earned.

Is my TIN the same as my SSN?

Section I – TIN Description

U.S. taxpayer identification numbers include a Social Security Number (SSN), which is issued to individuals, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is issued to individuals or entities.

How much does it cost to get an ITIN number?

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center with ITIN services

Apply for free at a Taxpayer Assistance Center in the U.S. A center with ITIN services can: Review your completed Form W-7. Authenticate most supporting documents*

What happens to ITIN after I get SSN?

"Once you receive a SSN, you must use that number for tax purposes and discontinue using your ITIN. It is improper to use both the ITIN and the SSN assigned to the same person to file tax returns. It is your responsibility to notify the IRS so we can combine all of your tax records under one identification number.

Can you be denied an ITIN number?

We rejected your application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You may not be eligible for an ITIN. Your documents may be invalid.

Can an ITIN be used on a W2?

Additionally, a SSN is used on W2 forms, while ITINs can be used only if the employee is not eligible for a SSN.

Why would someone have an ITIN and not a SSN?

For most individuals, their TIN is a Social Security number (SSN). 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 days present in the United States.

Can I use ITIN instead of SSN for background check?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may help conduct a background check. However, certain companies that run background checks will not require a specific number and will have the applicant enter 000-00-0000 or 111-11-1111 (varies by company) if they do not have an SSN.

Can I check if my ITIN is active?

How do I confirm if my ITIN is active? You can confirm if your ITIN is active by visiting an IRS-authorized CAA, or by visiting your local IRS TAC.

Can I have both ITIN and SSN?

By law, a person cannot have both an ITIN and SSN.

ITIN is for tax purposes only; it does not authorize work and cannot be used as an identification number or for any purpose outside the tax system.

Can TIN be used instead of SSN?

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).

Does SSN expire?

While your work authorization will eventually expire, your SSN is permanent and the number will never change. If you already have an SSN, then you do not need to apply for another one.

Can I work at Walmart with an ITIN number?

It's important to note that an ITIN does not authorize an individual to work in the United States, and it does not provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or qualify a dependent for Earned Income Tax Credit purposes.

Can I get a US driver's license with an ITIN?

Several state government motor vehicle departments are accepting IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) as proof of identification for state driver's licenses, prompting us to issue this reminder -- ITINs are not valid for identification outside the tax system.

How long is ITIN valid?

Your ITIN remains valid as long as it's used at least once every three years for filing US taxes. Without usage for three consecutive years, it expires on December 31 of the third year.

Can you be a permanent resident with an ITIN?

An ITIN does not provide legal immigration status and cannot be used to prove legal presence in the United States. An ITIN does not provide work authorization and cannot be used to prove work authorization on an I-9 form.

Can undocumented immigrants get a W2?

Thus, many use the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, which allows immigrants without Social Security numbers to legally file tax returns and claim the income reported on their W-2's to the IRS.

What are the benefits of having an ITIN?

An ITIN is more than just a 9-digit number; it's an IRS tax processing number. It was created to help individuals to file their taxes. Many families across the United States, regardless of immigration status, use ITINs to file taxes & access numerous benefits. One such benefit is the Child Tax Credit.