How to Get an ITIN Number: Complete 2026 Guide

How to Get an ITIN Number: Complete 2026 Guide

If you are a foreign individual who needs a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN), you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

An ITIN is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is designed for certain individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but cannot obtain an SSN.

For people living outside the United States, the ITIN application process can seem complicated because the IRS requires specific documentation and the correct application procedure.

The good news is that you can apply for an ITIN from outside the United States in eligible circumstances.

This guide explains how to get an ITIN number, who may need one, what documents are required, how to apply, how long the process can take, and what to do after receiving your ITIN.

What Is an ITIN Number?

ITIN stands for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible to obtain an SSN.

An ITIN is a nine-digit number beginning with the number 9 and is formatted similarly to an SSN.

An ITIN is primarily used for federal tax purposes.

It does not:

• Give you U.S. citizenship
• Give you immigration status
• Give you permission to work in the United States
• Replace an SSN when you are eligible for an SSN

Who Needs an ITIN?

You may need an ITIN if:

• You are a foreign individual who needs to file a U.S. federal tax return
• You are not eligible for an SSN
• You have a U.S. tax reporting requirement
• You are a nonresident individual with a U.S. tax obligation
• You are a spouse or dependent who needs an ITIN for an applicable federal tax purpose
• You qualify for an IRS exception to the tax-return filing requirement

Not every foreign business owner automatically needs an ITIN.

Whether you need one depends on your individual tax situation.

How to Get an ITIN Number

The basic ITIN application process involves several steps.

Step 1: Determine Whether You Need an ITIN

Before submitting Form W-7, determine whether you have a valid reason to obtain an ITIN.

The IRS generally requires an applicant to have a federal tax purpose or qualify under one of the applicable exceptions.

Do not apply simply because you want to have an ITIN.

You should have a valid reason supported by the appropriate documentation.

Step 2: Complete Form W-7

The main application form for an ITIN is:

IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

The IRS requires Form W-7 as part of the ITIN application package.

The form asks for information such as:

• Name
• Mailing address
• Foreign address
• Date of birth
• Country of citizenship
• Country of residence
• Type of ITIN request
• Reason for applying

Make sure the information on Form W-7 matches your supporting documentation.

Errors or incomplete information can delay the application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

You need documentation proving your identity and foreign status.

The IRS currently lists 13 acceptable documents for establishing identity and foreign status.

A valid passport is particularly important because the IRS recognizes a passport as the only stand-alone document that can establish both identity and foreign status for the primary applicant.

Depending on the circumstances, other acceptable documents can include:

• National identification card
• Foreign driver's license
• U.S. driver's license
• Visa
• Foreign voter registration card
• Civil birth certificate
• U.S. state identification card
• Certain military identification documents
• Certain school or medical records for qualifying dependents

The exact documentation requirements depend on the applicant.

Documents generally need to be current and meet IRS requirements.

Step 4: Determine Whether You Need a U.S. Tax Return

For many ITIN applicants, Form W-7 is submitted together with a U.S. federal income tax return.

The IRS explains that applicants generally submit Form W-7 with Form 1040 or Form 1040-NR, unless an applicable exception applies.

Therefore, you should determine the reason for your ITIN application before preparing the application package.

Some applicants may qualify for an exception to the normal tax-return requirement.

Step 5: Submit Your ITIN Application

There are several ways an eligible applicant can submit an ITIN application.

Apply by Mail

You can mail your ITIN application package directly to the IRS.

The package generally includes:

• Completed Form W-7
• Required tax return, when applicable
• Supporting documentation
• Any additional documentation required for your particular exception

The IRS provides the current mailing addresses on its ITIN application page.

Apply Through an Acceptance Agent

Another option is using an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent (AA) or Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA).

Acceptance Agents are available both inside and outside the United States.

An Acceptance Agent can help with the W-7 application process and supporting documentation.

A Certifying Acceptance Agent has additional authority to authenticate certain supporting documents and can return authenticated documents to the applicant.

Fees charged by acceptance agents can vary.

Apply Through an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

Eligible applicants who are in the United States can also use an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center that provides ITIN services.

Appointments may be required.

The IRS explains that these centers can review Form W-7 and authenticate most supporting documents for applicants who appear in person.

Can You Get an ITIN from Outside the USA?

Yes.

The IRS specifically provides procedures for obtaining an ITIN from abroad.

You can apply by mail or through an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent or Certifying Acceptance Agent located in the United States or abroad.

This can be useful for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, taxpayers, and other individuals who have a valid U.S. tax-related reason for obtaining an ITIN.

ITIN Requirements for Non-U.S. Residents

If you live outside the United States, you may need:

• Form W-7
• Valid supporting identification
• Proof of foreign status
• Applicable U.S. tax return
• Documentation supporting an exception, if applicable

A foreign passport can generally establish both identity and foreign status when it meets the IRS requirements.

You should review the current IRS documentation requirements before submitting your application.

How Long Does It Take to Get an ITIN?

The IRS currently advises applicants to allow 7 weeks for notification about an ITIN application.

The IRS says processing can take 9 to 11 weeks when applying during the tax season period or when filing from overseas.

Processing times can change depending on application volume and whether the application is complete.

If the IRS needs additional information, the application may take longer.

What Happens After You Apply?

After processing your application, the IRS may:

• Assign an ITIN
• Request additional information
• Reject the application

The IRS can send different notices depending on the outcome. For example, CP565 is used when an ITIN is assigned, while CP566 indicates that additional information is needed.

Keep copies of your application and supporting documents for your records.

What Documents Does the IRS Accept for ITIN?

The IRS currently recognizes several categories of documents.

A valid passport is the only stand-alone document for establishing identity and foreign status for the general primary applicant.

If you do not submit a qualifying passport, you generally need two supporting documents, including at least one document containing a photograph, subject to the applicable rules.

Documents must meet the IRS requirements for validity and certification.

The IRS does not generally accept ordinary notarized copies as a substitute for the required certified documentation.

Can an Indian Citizen Apply for an ITIN?

An Indian citizen may apply for an ITIN if they meet the IRS eligibility requirements and have a valid reason for obtaining one.

For example, an Indian entrepreneur may encounter U.S. tax-related circumstances that require an individual taxpayer identification number.

However, simply owning a U.S. company does not automatically mean every owner needs an ITIN.

The appropriate tax identification number depends on the individual's circumstances and applicable tax requirements.

ITIN vs EIN: What Is the Difference?

ITIN and EIN are different types of IRS taxpayer identification numbers.

ITIN	EIN
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number	Employer Identification Number
Issued to eligible individuals	Generally issued to businesses/entities and other qualifying parties
Used primarily for individual federal tax purposes	Used for business/entity tax identification and other purposes
Begins with 9	Nine-digit federal tax identification number
Applied for using Form W-7	Generally applied for using Form SS-4

If you are forming a U.S. LLC, you may need an EIN for the business, while an ITIN is an individual taxpayer identification number.

One does not automatically replace the other.

Does an ITIN Give You a Social Security Number?

No.

An ITIN is not an SSN.

The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who need a taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for an SSN.

If you become eligible for an SSN, the IRS provides separate guidance concerning the use of an SSN instead of an ITIN.

Does an ITIN Give You the Right to Work in the USA?

No.

An ITIN is a federal tax identification number.

It does not provide immigration status or authorization to work in the United States.

If you want to work physically in the United States, separate immigration and employment authorization rules may apply.

How Jupiter Filing Can Help With Your ITIN Application

If you need help preparing your ITIN application, Jupiter Filing offers an ITIN service for eligible applicants.

You can learn more here:

Recommended sentence inside the article:

If you need assistance with your ITIN application, explore our ITIN service to learn more about the application process.

Common ITIN Application Mistakes

1. Applying Without a Valid Reason

An ITIN is not issued simply because someone wants a U.S. tax number.

You need to meet the IRS requirements.

2. Submitting Incorrect Form W-7 Information

Information on Form W-7 should match your supporting documents.

3. Sending Unacceptable Documents

Supporting documents must meet the IRS requirements.

4. Using Expired Documents

The IRS requires supporting documents to meet its current validity requirements.

5. Forgetting the Tax Return When Required

Many applicants need to submit the appropriate federal tax return with Form W-7 unless an exception applies.

6. Sending Poor-Quality Documentation

Incomplete or unclear documents can cause delays or requests for additional information.

Does an ITIN Expire?

ITINs can expire under certain circumstances.

The IRS provides specific rules regarding ITIN expiration and renewal.

If an ITIN is no longer required for federal tax purposes, you may not need to renew it until you have a tax-related reason to use it again.

Always check the current IRS rules when determining whether your ITIN needs renewal.

Can You Apply for an ITIN Without Going to the USA?

Yes, eligible applicants can apply from outside the United States.

The IRS allows applications by mail and through authorized Acceptance Agents and Certifying Acceptance Agents abroad.

This means that you do not necessarily need to travel to the United States simply to submit an ITIN application.

ITIN Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, check that you have:

• Completed Form W-7

• Valid reason for applying

• Appropriate tax return, if required

• Valid supporting documentation

• Proof of foreign status

• Proof of identity

• Supporting documents for an applicable exception, if required

• Correct mailing information

• Copies of your application for your records

Review the current IRS instructions before submission because requirements can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ITIN number?

An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS to eligible individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for an SSN.

How do I get an ITIN number?

Generally, you complete Form W-7 and submit the required supporting documents and applicable tax return or exception documentation to the IRS. You can apply by mail or through an authorized Acceptance Agent or Certifying Acceptance Agent.

Can I get an ITIN from outside the USA?

Yes. Eligible applicants can apply from abroad by mail or through an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent or Certifying Acceptance Agent.

What documents do I need for an ITIN?

You need documents that establish your identity and foreign status. A qualifying passport can generally serve as a stand-alone document for the primary applicant.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS currently advises allowing 7 weeks for notification, or 9 to 11 weeks during certain peak periods or when applying from overseas.

Can an Indian citizen apply for an ITIN?

Yes, an Indian citizen can apply if they meet the IRS requirements and have a valid reason for obtaining an ITIN.

Is an ITIN the same as an EIN?

No. An ITIN is an individual taxpayer identification number, while an EIN is generally used to identify a business or other qualifying entity for federal tax purposes.

Does an ITIN allow me to work in the USA?

No. An ITIN is for federal tax purposes and does not provide work authorization or immigration status.

Can I apply for an ITIN without visiting America?

Yes. Eligible applicants can apply from abroad by mail or through an authorized Acceptance Agent or Certifying Acceptance Agent.

Conclusion

Getting an ITIN number involves more than simply filling out a form.

You need to determine whether you qualify, complete Form W-7, provide the required identity and foreign-status documentation, and submit the appropriate tax return or exception documentation when required.

For applicants living outside the United States, the IRS provides options to apply from abroad, including by mail or through an authorized Acceptance Agent or Certifying Acceptance Agent.

If you need assistance with the process, you can learn more about Jupiter Filing's ITIN service and the support available for your application.