SSN Vs. ITIN: Differences, Step-by-Step Application Process

Since both SSN and ITIN serve the purpose of filing taxes, it can be easy for international students, foreign workers, and dependents to get confused between them.

What you need to know is that these numbers are meant for different people, and you cannot have both these numbers simultaneously. But what are these numbers? How are they different? And how do you apply for them? We’ve answered these questions and highlighted the differences between SSN and ITIN in this post.

What is SSN?

A Social Security Number is a personal identification number issued by the Social Security Administration. An SSN is only issued to individuals born in the U.S. and foreign workers with a valid work visa.

The ID has nine digits and follows the following format:

XXX-XX-XXXX

The first three digits of an SSN represent an “area number.” The two digits in the center are the “group number,” and the final four digits of the SSN represent the “serial number.”

The U.S. government uses Social Security Numbers to track individuals in the country across services offered by the government. It is also the standard I.D. that all individuals in the U.S. must use to fulfill their tax obligations to the government.

If you’re a non-citizen and live in the U.S. for work or education, with an SSN, you will be able to file your taxes without much hassle. If your status of residence changes, you may be able to claim tax credits and public assistance later on with an SSN. 

You cannot reap these benefits if you have an ITIN. For this reason, we recommend that you get a Social Security Number over an ITIN if you are eligible.

If you lose your SSN card, you can request a Temporary Social Security Card

What is ITIN?

The Internal Revenue Service issues individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers to non-resident aliens so they can fulfill their tax obligation to the government. U.S. citizens do not get an ITIN.

An ITIN is nine digits long, and the first and fourth digits of every ITIN are 9 and 7, respectively.

Besides helping you identify as a taxpayer, with an ITIN, you can apply for a personal loan. In addition, in some states, you can submit your ITIN to open an interest-bearing bank account and also get a driver’s license. 

However, you must remember that getting an ITIN does not intrinsically mean you can live or work in the U.S. 

If you happen to become eligible for an SSN later on, you will be able to use the SSN to claim benefits. In addition, when you get an SSN, your ITIN will automatically become invalid, and you will be allowed to pay your taxes with your SSN. You can read more about ITIN expiration on the IRS website.

ITIN Vs. SSN: What are the Differences?

	ITIN	SSN
Issued to	Dependants Spouses of U.S. citizens Spouses of resident aliens Spouses of non-resident alien visa holders Non-resident aliens who need to file taxes Undocumented immigrants	U.S. citizens Authorized non-citizens (foreign workers and international students)
Issued by	Social Security Administration	Internal Revenue Service
Uses	Federal tax reporting Opening bank accounts (not every bank allows it)

How to Apply for SSN (Step by Step Guide)

You are eligible to apply for an SSN if you are:

• An H1B visa holder
• A F-1 with a job offer and employee authorization
• A J-1 student with a job offer and employee authorization
• A J-1 scholar/employee
• A J-2 dependant (spouse or child)

You can apply for an SSN in five simple steps:

Step 1: Fill Up Form SS-5

Download and print Form SS-5. Make sure you go through all of the instructions. Then, fill it up with the correct details.

Step 2: Gather Identity Proof and Immigration Status Documents

Supplement the form with an identity proof document and immigration status document. If you’re in the U.S. for work, your work permit is good enough to prove immigration status.

Step 3: Get DS-2019 and I-20 Certificates (As Required)

If you’re a student or have a J-visa, you will need to get in touch with your Designated School Official and ask for the required DS-2019 and I-20 certificates. 

Step 4: Gather Other Essential Documents

Keep your Employment Authorization Document and I-94 document handy in case you’re asked for them.

Step 5: Submit the Documents

Visit your local SSA office and submit all of these documents. 

Bear in mind that only original documents will be accepted when applying for a Social Security Number. After the process is complete, you will receive all of the documents you submitted in your mail.

How to Apply for ITIN (Step by Step Guide)

You are eligible for an ITIN if you are:

• A US resident alien 
• Spouse or dependent of a US citizen or resident alien
• Non-resident alien 
• Spouse or dependent of a non-resident alien visa holder

It’s important to note that spouses of resident aliens and non-resident alien visa holders are eligible for an SSN if they have a green card or permanent residency.

If you’re eligible for an ITIN, applying for one is relatively uncomplicated:

Step 1: Fill Up For W-7

First, download Form W-7 and print it out. Then, fill it up with the correct details, and make sure you answer the “Reason you’re submitting Form W-7” question correctly.

Step 2: Get A Federal Tax Return Document

You are required to submit a completed federal income tax return document, such as Form 1040, Form 1040A, or Form 1040EZ. You can submit the original or a copy of a tax return you filed in the past. If you’re submitting copies, remember to write “COPY” on top.

Step 3: Gather Documents to Prove Your Identity and Status

You will also need to submit original or certified/notarized copies of documents proving your identity and status. The IRS only accepts the following current documents:

1. Passport
2. Visa
3. Driver’s license (U.S. or native country) 
4. Foreign voter I.D. card
5. U.S. state I.D.
6. National ID
7. U.S. Military I.D.
8. Foreign military ID
9. USCIS photo ID
10. Civil birth certificate (for applicants under 18)
11. Medical records (for dependents under age six)
12. School records (for dependents under age 14)

Step 4: Submit the Documents

After you’ve gathered all of the required documents, you can either visit your closest IRS office or submit the documents via mail.

It is important to bear in mind that you will not receive an ITIN card. Instead, you will receive an authorization letter. The IRS did this to avoid confusion due to similarities with SSN.

You will receive the documents you submitted and also the ITIN authorization card six weeks after application. However, if you do not receive the documents in 65 days, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-908-9982 to enquire about them.

Common FAQs