Where do I enter an ITIN?

Taxpayers who don’t have a Social Security number may be able to file a tax return using an alternate number known as an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number).

If you already have an ITIN, you can enter it in TurboTax where the program asks for your Social Security number:

• Go to the Personal Info tab, select You & Your Family, then enter the ITIN in the Social Security field. 

The ITIN is in the same 9-digit format as a Social Security number, for example 999-99-9999.

Below are some commonly asked questions:

• How can I learn more about ITINs?
• What are ITINs used for?
• Who needs an ITIN?
• How do I apply for one?

For general information, continue reading below.

For more detailed information, see these IRS articles:

• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number( ITIN)
  • (Spanish) Información General sobre el ITIN
• Revised Application Standards for ITINs
  • (Spanish) Requisitos Revisados Para Solicitar Un ITIN

To apply for an ITIN, see:

• Form W-7 - Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• (Spanish) Solicitud de Número de Identificación Personal del Contribuyente del Servicio de Impuestos Internos

ITINs are used ONLY for filing tax returns. 

They're designed to allow people who don't qualify for a Social Security number to comply with federal tax laws. 

Generally, foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for Social Security numbers.

Other examples of individuals who need ITINs include:

• A nonresident alien required to file a U.S. tax return
• A U.S. resident alien for tax purposes (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return
• A dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien not eligible for an SSN
• A dependent or spouse of a nonresident alien visa holder not eligible for an SSN

To apply, you need to provide proof of your identity and foreign status. See the list of acceptable documents below.

For help applying, you can visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or TAC. Visit this IRS webpage to locate one near you.

For questions, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

These are the only approved documents for obtaining an ITIN: 

Important: Each document must be current and contain an expiration date and must show your name and photograph, and support your claim of foreign status. The IRS will accept documents issued within 12 months of the application if no expiration date is normally available.