The ITIN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is given to people who are required to pay taxes in the United States but are not eligible for the Social Security number. It is issued by the Internal Revenue Service or IRS and is required for tax processing purposes in accordance with the US tax laws. However, these cannot pass as valid identification proof as it is only required for tax payment and returns. It therefore acts as a tax id in USA and is necessary for foreign nationals and those required to filing federal taxes.

The ITIN number has its specific requirement and cannot be issued to US nationals who already have a social security number. Rather, it is prohibited by law to have ITIN as well as a social security number.

But how do you decide whether you need the ITIN number or not? There are certain rules and regulations that make you eligible for US ITIN number. It is therefore applicable to people consisting of non-resident aliens who are ineligible for the social security number but are required to file US tax returns, US resident aliens who are supposed to file taxes, the spouse or dependents of US citizens or a resident alien and the spouse or dependent of a person who is a non-resident alien visa holder.

In order to apply for ITIN IRS, it is necessary to fill up the W7 ITIN application form. It is recommended to use the 2003 revised version of the W7 ITIN form and you should apply for this unique tax identification number when you are absolutely ready to file the federal taxes. The tax return must be attached to the application form. These forms can either be sent to the specified address or through IRS authorized agents who are eligible to collect the forms. Taxpayer assistance centers of the IRS can also be used for dropping the forms. The form must be accompanied with the required documents which consists of a national identification card, birth certificate, driver’s license valid in the US, foreign driver’s license, a US state id card, USCIS photo identification, foreign voter’s registration card, visa and other identification proofs may also be needed. A combination of two or more of these is required along with a copy of the passport.

Once the completed application is submitted you can check back on the IRS helpline regarding the procedures for filing the taxes or to find out the status of the application. You can also check for your ITIN number online. This will not only help you in knowing about the application status but would also help you know whether you are eligible for any tax exemptions or not. ITIN USA is a necessary tool for all US non-residents and is an absolute essential for filing tax returns.

ITIN number is issued irrespective of the immigration status of an individual. Being a tax identification number it does not act as valid identification outside the tax paying module. It comprises a 9 digit number that begins with a 9. US tax payers need to obtain this number in respect to the requirements of the IRS.