Does an ITIN give me the right to work in the U.S.?

No. An ITIN is issued for federal tax purposes only and creates no inference about immigration status or the right to work in the United States.

Can I use an ITIN to open a bank account or apply for credit?

In many cases, yes. Some banks and lenders accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number, though this varies by institution, so checking directly with a specific bank or lender confirms whether they accept it. This is one reason an ITIN matters for someone building a U.S. credit history without SSN eligibility: it can be the entry point to the first credit product that starts that history.

Do I need to renew my ITIN?

Only if it’s expired. An ITIN not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years will expire, at which point it needs to be renewed before it can be used again for tax filing.

What happens if I get a Social Security number after already having an ITIN?

The SSN takes over going forward, and the ITIN is generally no longer needed for tax filing. It’s worth notifying the IRS of the change so tax records can be properly combined under the new number, and using the ITIN after becoming eligible for an SSN is a common source of confusion worth avoiding.

Back to Glossary

What is an ITIN? A tax number that can open more doors than expected

Key takeaways
- An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a 9-digit tax processing number for people who need to file taxes but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number.
- An ITIN is issued for federal tax purposes only and doesn’t authorize work in the U.S. or confer immigration status.
- Some lenders and financial institutions accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for certain credit products.
- Applying for an ITIN is done through IRS Form W-7, typically along with a federal tax return.
- An unused ITIN can expire, so understanding renewal requirements matters for anyone who already has one.

An ITIN is a tax processing number for people who need to file taxes but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number. Here’s how to apply, and what it can help you access beyond just tax filing.

What is an ITIN?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, is a 9-digit number the IRS issues⁠(opens in new window) for people who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number. It’s issued for federal tax purposes only: it doesn’t authorize work in the U.S. and doesn’t serve as identification outside the federal tax system.

An ITIN and a Social Security number look similar, both are nine digits formatted the same way, but they serve different purposes. An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration and generally requires work authorization; it’s tied to eligibility for Social Security benefits and confirms the right to work. An ITIN is issued by the IRS specifically to let someone without SSN eligibility still meet federal tax obligations. Someone who later becomes eligible for an SSN should use that number going forward rather than continuing to use an ITIN.

How to get an ITIN step by step

Complete Form W-7, the Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Attach a federal tax return, in most cases, since applicants generally need to show a federal tax purpose for the request.
Include proof of identity and foreign status, using original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency.
Submit the application by mail, in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
Wait for processing, which the IRS states⁠(opens in new window) typically takes about seven weeks, or nine to eleven weeks during peak tax season or when applying from abroad.

Common mistakes with ITIN applications

Submitting Form W-7 without an attached tax return, when one is required, which can delay or reject the application.
Sending original documents without a plan for their return. The IRS does return supporting documents, but applying in person or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent avoids mailing originals in the first place.
Submitting documents that don’t meet the IRS’s specific requirements, such as a notarized copy instead of one certified by the issuing agency. Notarized copies aren’t accepted, which is an easy detail to miss.
Letting an ITIN expire through non-use. Any ITIN not used on a federal tax return at least once in three consecutive years generally expires, requiring renewal before it can be used again.

What an ITIN means for newcomers and immigrants

Beyond tax filing itself, an ITIN can open doors that surprise many newcomers, since filing taxes as an immigrant⁠(opens in new window) is often the first step toward broader financial participation. Some banks accept an ITIN to open an account, and some lenders accept it in place of a Social Security number for certain credit products, which can matter significantly for someone building a financial foundation without SSN eligibility.

It’s worth being clear-eyed about the limits too. An ITIN doesn’t provide eligibility for Social Security benefits, and if the primary filer or their spouse uses an ITIN, they can’t claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, even in years when their dependents have valid Social Security numbers. Knowing what an ITIN does and doesn’t unlock helps in planning around it rather than assuming it works like an SSN in every context, particularly when a specific bank or lender is being asked whether it accepts one at all. Remitly’s step-by-step ITIN guide⁠(opens in new window) covers the application process in more detail.

First steps if you’re applying for an ITIN

Confirming a genuine federal tax purpose is worth doing early, since this is generally required for the application.
Gathering acceptable identity and foreign status documents in advance helps avoid the delays that incomplete documentation commonly causes.
Considering a Certifying Acceptance Agent is worth it for anyone who’d rather not mail original documents to the IRS.

Common questions about ITINs

Does an ITIN give me the right to work in the U.S.?

No. An ITIN is issued for federal tax purposes only and creates no inference about immigration status or the right to work in the United States.
Can I use an ITIN to open a bank account or apply for credit?

In many cases, yes. Some banks and lenders accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number, though this varies by institution, so checking directly with a specific bank or lender confirms whether they accept it. This is one reason an ITIN matters for someone building a U.S. credit history without SSN eligibility: it can be the entry point to the first credit product that starts that history.
Do I need to renew my ITIN?

Only if it’s expired. An ITIN not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years will expire, at which point it needs to be renewed before it can be used again for tax filing.
What happens if I get a Social Security number after already having an ITIN?

The SSN takes over going forward, and the ITIN is generally no longer needed for tax filing. It’s worth notifying the IRS of the change so tax records can be properly combined under the new number, and using the ITIN after becoming eligible for an SSN is a common source of confusion worth avoiding.

In Summary

An ITIN exists primarily for federal tax purposes, but it can also serve as a practical foundation for opening a bank account or accessing certain credit products while establishing a financial life in a new country. Understanding both what it does and doesn’t authorize helps in using it appropriately and with confidence. Understand your options and gather your documentation before submitting an ITIN application.

This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed herein. This publication is not a substitute for seeking advice from an applicable specialist or professional. The content in this publication does not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice from Remitly or any of its affiliates and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to keep our posts up to date and accurate, we cannot represent, warrant, or otherwise guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or up to date.