Simple Consulting Services helps individuals, non-residents, spouses, dependents, and business owners apply for a new IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or renew an expired one, no matter where in the world you live.
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An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS to people who have a US tax filing or reporting requirement but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). That's the simple answer to "what is an ITIN" and "what does ITIN mean."
An ITIN does not authorize you to work in the United States, does not make you eligible for Social Security benefits, and does not grant any immigration status. It exists for one purpose: federal tax administration.
An ITIN is formatted just like an SSN — 9XX-XX-XXXX — but it always begins with the number 9, which is how you can tell an ITIN apart from an SSN at a glance.
Once your application is approved, the IRS mails you a CP565 notice — often called your "ITIN letter" — confirming your assigned number. Keep this letter safe; you'll need it every time you file.
ITINs are available to anyone with a US tax filing or reporting requirement who is not eligible for an SSN — regardless of immigration status. Here's who we most commonly help.
Non-Resident Aliens
Reporting US-sourced income, rental property, or investments on Form 1040-NR.
Spouses & Dependents
Anyone listed on a joint or dependent return who doesn't qualify for an SSN.
Immigrants Without an SSN
An ITIN is issued for tax purposes only, regardless of immigration status, and does not affect it.
Foreign Investors & Owners
Anyone with a US business interest or a need to file business-related tax forms.
International Students
Visa holders ineligible for an SSN who receive taxable US stipend income.
From Anywhere in the World
You do not need to live in the US — we regularly file for clients applying from abroad.
An ITIN is a type of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), so an "individual tax ID" and an ITIN are generally the same thing — and no, it is not the same as an SSN. You cannot use your SSN as a substitute if you're not eligible for one, and an EIN is a separate number issued to businesses, not individuals.
| ITIN | SSN | EIN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Individuals ineligible for an SSN | Citizens & authorized workers | Businesses & entities |
| Authorizes work? | No | Yes | N/A |
| Format | 9XX-XX-XXXX | XXX-XX-XXXX | XX-XXXXXXX |
| Issued by | IRS | Social Security Admin. | IRS |
Apply by mail directly to the IRS, in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, or through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) like Simple Consulting Services — the only route that lets you keep your original passport, whether you're applying from inside the US or as a non-resident applying from abroad.
We prepare your application and confirm the correct "reason for applying" — a common source of rejections when done alone.
A valid passport can stand alone. Without one, you'll need at least two other approved documents, one with a photo.
Most applications include a completed 1040, 1040-NR, or 1040-SR. Certain exceptions allow you to apply without a tax return.
We file and monitor your application through to your CP565 notice. Typical processing is 7–11 weeks.
Only in specific cases — if the reason for needing an ITIN is tied to a prior SSN denial, the IRS may ask for your SSA denial letter as supporting documentation. We'll confirm whether this applies to you before you file.
Every family member who doesn't qualify for an SSN but needs to be listed on a US tax return — a spouse filing jointly, or a qualifying dependent — needs their own ITIN and their own Form W-7. These are typically submitted together with the primary applicant's tax return, along with proof of identity, foreign status, and, for dependents, documentation showing US residency or relationship to the primary taxpayer.
Apply for My Family's ITINs
Yes. An ITIN expires if it hasn't been used on a federal tax return for three consecutive tax years. Older ITINs also followed staggered expiration schedules based on their middle two digits.
Check the middle digits of your ITIN against the IRS's published expiration groups, or look for an IRS notice referencing your number. Not sure? Send us your ITIN and we'll check its status for you.
The IRS does not offer a public, real-time online lookup — status updates come by mail or through direct IRS contact. As a Certified Acceptance Agent, we can help confirm your status on your behalf.
There's no fee to renew. Processing typically takes 7–11 weeks, and can stretch to 16–20 weeks during the January–April filing rush — renew at least 45 days before you need to file.
An ITIN's core purpose is tax filing and reporting, but it opens practical doors too: filing federal and state returns, claiming eligible dependents and tax credits, starting a US business, and opening a US bank account without an SSN.
Many major banks and credit unions accept an ITIN as identification for opening a checking, savings, or interest-bearing account. A small number of banks will also accept alternative ID, like a foreign passport or consular ID, even without an SSN or ITIN — but having an ITIN significantly widens your options and is required for reporting any interest income to the IRS.
Form W-7 prepared and filed correctly the first time.
Fast renewal filing for expired or soon-to-expire numbers.
We verify your identity documents — no mailing your original passport.
Coordinated family applications submitted as one clean package.
We work with applicants anywhere in the world, not just inside the US.
ITIN and related filing support for foreign-owned US businesses.
Extra support during the January–April rush when processing slows.
We monitor your application and handle IRS correspondence for you.
Tell us your situation — we confirm whether you need a new ITIN, a renewal, and which documents apply.
We verify your identity and foreign status documents as your Certified Acceptance Agent.
We complete and submit your application along with any required tax return.
We track your case until your CP565 notice arrives and walk you through next steps.
"From LLC formation to tax filing, they handled every step without a single hiccup. Having one point of contact for all our business needs saved us so much time and stress."
"Simple Consulting Services took our paperwork mess and turned it into a clean, organized system within weeks. Their team explained everything clearly and never made us feel out of our depth."
"We switched to Simple Consulting Services for our filing needs and immediately saw the difference. Their team is professional, responsive, and always one step ahead."
Reviews shown are real, published client testimonials from our homepage. Swap in ITIN-specific reviews here once available.
Most common questions are answered in the sections above. Here are a few more.
No. An ITIN is issued solely for federal tax administration. It does not grant, change, or protect immigration status.
No. An ITIN does not authorize employment. Work authorization requires separate, valid immigration status.
Pricing depends on whether it's a new application, a renewal, and how many family members are included. Contact us for a clear, upfront quote.
Typically a valid passport, or two other approved identity/foreign-status documents. We'll confirm your exact list during your free eligibility review.
Yes. A large share of our clients apply from outside the United States, including first-time non-resident filers.
Yes, in most cases. You'll need a combination of at least two other IRS-approved documents, with at least one showing a photo.
