Most people file taxes with their Social Security number (SSN), but while you need an approved form of identification to file taxes, you are not required to have a SSN or physical card to file a tax return. Although you may see a Social Security number requested on federal tax return forms, the IRS issues Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for those who don’t qualify for an SSN but need to file a tax return.
If you need to file taxes but don’t have a Social Security number, this post helps you figure out what forms you need to fill out to file taxes. We also walk you through the steps of applying for a Social Security number as well as who qualifies for Social Security numbers and ITINs.
If you’re not eligible for an SSN, you may be able to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).[1]
The IRS uses an ITIN to facilitate filing a tax return and making tax payments. They’re issued, regardless of immigration status, to what the IRS defines as both “resident aliens” and “nonresident aliens” who may have tax filing or reporting requirements in the U.S.[1]
An ITIN does not:
An ITIN is used for federal tax reporting. However, if you eventually apply for U.S. citizenship, having an ITIN can help demonstrate that you have complied with federal tax laws.[3]
There are three ways to apply for an ITIN:
By mail: Fill out Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.[4] Be sure to submit it with your federal income tax return along with original or certified copies of documents to prove your identity and foreign status. You will not be able to electronically file your return without the ITIN, so you’d have to file a paper return and mail it to:
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
Check the IRS website to ensure the above address has not changed, and remember that you need only to file a tax return to this address once when you file Form W-7. In subsequent years, when you have an ITIN, you can file your tax return as directed in the form’s instructions.[4]
With an in-person agent: Fill out Form W-7 and apply in person using the services of an Certifying Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS.[5]
At an in-person assistance center: Fill out Form W-7 and make an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.[6]
If you apply with an in-person agent or at an in-person assistance center, you can apply for an ITIN without mailing your original documents. If you qualify and your application is complete, the IRS suggests you allow seven weeks for processing time for your application after which you can look for a letter in the mail.[7]
To know which documents you need to send with your application, check the IRS website, which can offer you all the information you need for filling out and mailing your ITIN application. If you mail your documents, the originals are returned to you at the mailing address you provided on Form W-7. The IRS says you can expect to receive them within 60 days.[7]
However, mailing your original documents puts them at risk of getting lost in the mail, winding up in the wrong hands and exposes you to identity theft. For that reason, consider applying in person whenever possible.
Your tax residency status determines how you file your federal tax return. Check the IRS website to determine your residency status and how best to file or discuss your situation with a legal professional who specializes in immigration law.
The IRS sets a deadline for sometime in mid-April every year for filing taxes. In 2023, the deadline was set for April 18 for most taxpayers, and you can check the IRS website for the exact date each year. So prepare ahead of April to get your documents and filing in order so you can submit your tax returns on time.
You can use your ITIN to file federal tax returns if you don't have an SSN. Just enter your ITIN in the space for the SSN on the tax form and fill out the rest of your tax form. Then you submit your tax return and supporting documents to the IRS.
The IRS website has an entire page dedicated to answering questions about your tax return, and many refer to how long it takes to process a refund.
According to the IRS, it generally takes more than 21 days to process refunds, and you can follow the status of your tax return through Where’s My Refund. However, the IRS also notes that many things cause a delay in processing. From errors or incomplete information to mailing in a paper tax return, several circumstances can add delays to your return’s processing.[8]
The IRS requires both residents and nonresidents to file taxes in the U.S., and the IRS offers a tool to help you determine whether you should file a federal tax return.[9]
Non-citizens who need to file taxes include:
If you don’t owe taxes, you may still file a tax return to claim a refund for taxes overpaid or to claim a deduction or credit. If you owe taxes and fail to file, the IRS can assess penalties and interest, seize your assets and impose immigration consequences.[10]
When you are filing taxes, you often have to submit supporting documentation with your federal tax return. Although everyone’s individual tax situation is different, the following lists some documentation you may commonly need:[11]
Noncitizens authorized to work in the U.S. can get a Social Security number. To do this, you can either apply for an SSN in your home country before coming to the U.S. or visit a Social Security office in person.[12]
You may be able to use this identification number to:
Without an SSN, you may find it challenging to establish a credit score in the U.S. and take out loans if you need them for major purchases.
If you, your spouse or a dependent qualify for an SSN, you should file Form SS5, Application for a Social Security Card, with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If visiting a Social Security office in person, you’ll need to show documentation to prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, and you can find a list of documentation through the Social Security Administration’s publication for nonresidents.[12]
If you lose your card, you can get a replacement by applying online via the SSA website, calling your local SSA office or 800-772-1213.
The U.S. laws require both residents and nonresidents of the country to pay taxes, even if they don't have a Social Security number. To file taxes without a SSN, you can use your ITIN. Determine your tax residency status, gather and submit the appropriate documents using the ITIN in place of SSN and wait for the IRS to process your returns.
If you’re stuck in any part of the tax preparation process, we recommend consulting a tax professional.
Ana Gonzalez-Ribeiro, MBA, AFC® is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and a Bilingual Personal Finance Writer and Educator dedicated to helping populations that need financial literacy and counseling. Her informative articles have been published in various news outlets and websites including Huffington Post, Fidelity, Fox Business News, MSN and Yahoo Finance. She also founded the personal financial and motivational site www.AcetheJourney.com and translated into Spanish the book, Financial Advice for Blue Collar America by Kathryn B. Hauer, CFP. Ana teaches Spanish or English personal finance courses on behalf of the W!SE (Working In Support of Education) program has taught workshops for nonprofits in NYC.
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