Filing your taxes with an ITIN

 In 2004, over 2.5 million ITIN tax returns were filed.

Why should I file my taxes with an ITIN?

• Filing taxes can help with immigration applications by showing that you have been in the U.S. for a continuous period of time and that you have good moral character
• It’s required by U.S. tax law
• You may get a tax refund if extra money was withheld or taken out of your paycheck
• You may be able to claim the Child Tax Credit
• You will have a record of your employment and wages earned that could help you when applying for a loan or credit

What do I have to do differently if I have an ITIN?

If you are reporting wages that you earned, you should include the Social Security number listed on the W-2 or 1099 forms you received when you complete the section on wages in your tax return. The IRS e-file system can now accept returns that include an ITIN and a Social Security Number for wages earned. The person who has the ITIN will receive credit for the income. Read more.

Is it safe to use an ITIN to file my taxes?

When you file your taxes, you are giving personal information to the IRS. There are laws that prevent the IRS from sharing this information with other government agencies. If you feel uncomfortable sending copies of your documents that show your identity and foreign status to the IRS, some organizations recommend that you file online or use a Certified Acceptance Agent so that you don’t have to send your documents to the IRS. If you still have concerns about filing your taxes with an ITIN, you should contact a local organization that provides free tax help.