The primary purpose of an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is to enable individuals who are not eligible for Social Security Numbers to comply with U.S. tax laws. ITINs are essential for:
- Filing federal tax returns: Individuals with ITINs can file income tax returns, report income, claim deductions, and receive refunds or pay taxes due.
- Processing tax payments: ITINs facilitate the processing of tax payments made to the IRS.
- Claiming tax treaties: Some nonresident aliens may use ITINs to claim tax treaty benefits.
- Identifying taxpayers: ITINs serve as a unique identifier for tax purposes, allowing the IRS to track tax information and ensure compliance.
It's crucial to emphasize that ITINs do not authorize work in the United States nor provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or other federal programs.
