What an ITIN is
An ITIN is a tax processing number. The IRS gives it to people who must have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but cannot get a Social Security number (SSN).IRS It has nine digits, begins with 9 and is formatted like an SSN.IRS
The IRS issues it for federal tax purposes only. People use it to file U.S. federal returns, claim a refund, claim a tax treaty benefit or be listed as a spouse or dependent for an allowable tax benefit.IRS Nolly.com helps people worldwide get one: see our ITIN service.
What an ITIN does not do
An ITIN does not give you work authorization or eligibility for Social Security benefits.IRS
- It does not give you work authorization or eligibility for Social Security benefits, and you cannot claim the Earned Income Tax Credit with it.IRS
- It does not provide or change your immigration status.IRS
- It is not identification outside the federal tax system.IRS
- You cannot hold both an ITIN and an SSN. If you get an SSN, you stop using the ITIN and tell the IRS.IRS
Applying for an ITIN is open to resident and non-resident aliens, and their spouses and dependents, regardless of immigration status, as long as there is a federal tax purpose.IRS
ITIN vs SSN vs EIN
These three numbers are easy to mix up. They are all tax IDs, but they are for different people.IRS
| ITIN | SSN | EIN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issued by | The IRS | The Social Security Administration | The IRS |
| Who it is for | People who need a U.S. tax ID and are not eligible for an SSN | U.S. citizens and people admitted for permanent residence or U.S. employment | Businesses and other entities, including some trusts and estates |
| Gives work authorization | No | Depends on your status | Not applicable |
| How to apply | Form W-7 | Form SS-5 | Form SS-4, or online if you are in the U.S. |
Sources: IRS ITIN, TIN and EIN pages, and the Form W-7 instructions.IRSIRSIRS
Our guides on ITIN vs EIN and ITIN vs SSN go deeper.
Who needs an ITIN
You need an ITIN if you have a federal tax purpose and are not eligible for an SSN.IRS A federal tax purpose means one of these.IRS
- You must file a U.S. federal income tax return.
- You want to claim a refund or report income by filing a return.
- You can be claimed as a spouse or dependent for an allowable tax benefit.
- You must give a tax ID for another federal tax purpose, such as claiming a treaty benefit.
Typical examples for people outside the U.S. include U.S. rental income, selling U.S. property, treaty claims and being a spouse on a U.S. person's return.IRS A return with all zeros does not show a tax purpose, so you would not apply.IRS
You do not need one if you are a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a non-resident with a U.S. work visa (you qualify for an SSN) or anyone eligible for an SSN.IRS
How to get an ITIN
You apply with Form W-7, a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception, and proof of identity and foreign status. A valid passport is the only stand-alone document.IRS You can mail it to the IRS, apply in person at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in the U.S., or use an acceptance agent.IRS
The IRS charges nothing for an ITIN. Agents set their own fees.IRS Nolly.com charges US$199 for a Standard ITIN application and US$265 for Priority, one time. Most applicants also need a U.S. tax return: from $199, quoted before you pay. Money back if the IRS rejects your ITIN application. Terms apply. The IRS says to allow about 9 to 11 weeks when you apply from overseas or during tax season. Timing depends on the IRS.IRS Read our Form W-7 guide or our guide to a Certifying Acceptance Agent.
Money back if the IRS rejects your ITIN application. Terms apply. Prices in U.S. dollars.
Your questions answered
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.IRS
A nine-digit number the IRS issues for federal tax purposes to people who need a U.S. taxpayer ID but are not eligible for an SSN.IRS
Anyone with a federal tax purpose who is not eligible for an SSN, such as a non-resident who must file a U.S. return, claim a treaty benefit or be claimed as a spouse or dependent.IRS
No. An ITIN is issued by the IRS for tax use only. An SSN comes from the Social Security Administration. An ITIN does not give work authorization or eligibility for Social Security benefits.IRS
No. An EIN identifies a business entity. An ITIN identifies an individual who needs a U.S. taxpayer ID and cannot get an SSN.IRS
Resident and non-resident aliens, and their spouses and dependents, can apply regardless of immigration status if they have a federal tax purpose. An ITIN does not change immigration status.IRS
Yes. You can mail your application to the IRS or use an acceptance agent in the U.S. or abroad.IRS Nolly.com works with people worldwide.
The IRS charges nothing. Nolly.com charges US$199 for a Standard ITIN application and US$265 for Priority, one time. Most applicants also need a U.S. tax return: from $199, quoted before you pay. Money back if the IRS rejects your ITIN application. Terms apply.
More questions? See the full Nolly.com FAQ.
How we checked this
Every IRS fact on this page comes from IRS.gov or the other official pages listed below and was checked on October 2, 2026. Nolly.com's own prices are the only exception. Nolly.com is a private company and is not part of the IRS.
Nolly Services Inc, d/b/a Nolly.com, appears on the IRS page Acceptance agents – Canada. Nolly.com is a private company and isn't part of the IRS.
- Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. 12-2024)https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number
- How do I apply for an ITIN?https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-i-apply-for-an-itin
- Get an employer identification numberhttps://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number
- Taxpayer identification numbers (TIN)https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin
- Acceptance agent program (compare agent types, agents abroad)https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/acceptance-agent-program
- ITIN: Número de identificación personal del contribuyente (en español)https://www.irs.gov/es/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number
Checked against IRS.gov on October 2, 2026. General information, not tax advice.
