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In this article, you will learn the importance of the ITIN number and how to get an ITIN number as an international student.
As an international student either on an F1, J1, or M1 visa you are eligible to obtain an ITIN - Individual Tax Identification Number, which is needed for tax-related purposes.
This document is provided by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Why Should I Get an ITIN Number as an International Student?
Some common reasons why international students might need to obtain an ITIN number are to:
- Pay taxes on taxable scholarships, grants, or fellowships received from a US source.
- Claim a benefit for a tax deduction or tax credit based on a tax treaty your home country has with the US
- Pay taxes on passive investing such as dividend payments and capital gains on stocks
ITIN or SSN for International Students?
So you might be wondering, between the Individual Tax Identification Number and the Social Security Number (SSN), which should I apply for?
The ITIN number and the social security number are both 9 digit numbers used for tax related purposes. However, there are 3 key differences between these two documents:
The first is the difference in the application process.
You’ll need to have obtained an authorized form of employment such as on-campus employment, CPT, or OPT to obtain the Social Security Number.
Whereas with the ITIN, you do not need to have any authorized employment as an international student before applying for the ITIN.
As a matter of fact, even undocumented immigrants in the US can obtain an ITIN from the IRS.
However, if you meet the criteria to obtain a Social Security Number as an international student, you should not apply for the ITIN.
Also once you receive a Social Security Number, you can no longer use your ITIN for tax-related purposes.
The second key difference is in the expiration.
The social security number given to international students never expires, while the ITIN number expires and needs to be renewed.
The third key difference is that the ITIN is for federal tax purposes only, while the Social Security Number is used for both federal, state, and local tax purposes.
Steps to Get an ITIN Number as an International Student
So here’s how you can go about getting the ITIN as an international student in the US.
Step 1: Visit the IRS website to get the application for IRS Individual Tax Payer Identification Number, also called a W-7.
On this website, you can also find an instruction guide that you would need when completing the Form W-7.
Form W7 is used to obtain the ITIN number as an international student
Step 2: After completing your W-7, you would need to assemble original documents to establish your foreign status and identity.
As an international student, this can best be done by using your valid passport or a passport containing your valid US visa.
See a full list of other alternative documents that are accepted by the IRS to prove your identity and foreign status.
These original documents need to match the information provided on your W-7 application.
Depending on your reason for applying for the W-7 as indicated, you might need to submit your US federal tax return along with your completed W-7 application.
Step 3: You would then mail your W-7 along with the appropriate original documents to the IRS as indicated in the instructions guide.
The original documents you mail to the IRS will be returned to you at the mailing address shown on your Form W7 within 9 - 11 weeks from when your application was received by the IRS.
If you think you will need your original document(s) at any time within this 9 - 11 week period, then it’s best you apply for your ITIN in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or with at an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent closest to you.
Where possible, you should consider calling the nearest Certifying Acceptance Agent or Taxpayer Assistance Center to schedule an appointment.
Step 4: Once the IRS processes your W7 application, they will assign an ITIN and process your tax return if you submitted one.
You can then expect to receive your ITIN in the mail anywhere between 9 - 11 weeks after your ITIN application was received by the IRS.
In the alternative, you could also get your ITIN and prepare your US federal tax return using Sprintax, which is a tax preparation software specialized for non-resident aliens in the US.
You can get started with Sprintax here.
Checking the Status of Your ITIN Application
You can check the status of your ITIN number application by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog post should not be considered as tax or financial advice, given the complexities of the US tax codes, we highly recommend you seek a licensed tax specialist for personalized tax advice.
