What is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) that is not a social security number, is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with U.S. tax laws and to provide a means to process and account for tax returns and payments for those who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).
SSN vs. EIN vs. ITIN: What’s the Difference?
When certifying your tax information on CEX.IO via Form W-9, you must provide a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Depending on your status, your TIN will be one of the following:
TIN Type | Full Name | Who It Is For |
SSN | Social Security Number | U.S. Citizens and authorized U.S. residents. |
EIN | Employer Identification Number | Businesses, corporations, partnerships, and LLCs. |
ITIN | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number | Foreign nationals and non-residents who have U.S. tax obligations but are not eligible for an SSN. |
Examples of Individuals Who Need an ITIN
You may need to apply for or provide an ITIN if you fit into any of the following categories:
Non-resident aliens filing a U.S. tax return: Individuals required to file a U.S. tax return, or filing to claim a tax refund.
Resident aliens filing a U.S. tax return: Individuals who qualify as resident aliens for tax purposes based on the number of days present in the United States.
Dependents on a U.S. tax return: Resident or non-resident alien individuals who can be claimed as a dependent by a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
Spouses filing jointly: A resident or non-resident alien electing to file a joint U.S. tax return with a spouse who is a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
Students, professors, or researchers: Non-resident alien students, scholars, or researchers with U.S. tax filing or reporting obligations.
Claiming tax treaty benefits: Non-resident aliens claiming a tax treaty benefit (e.g., submitting a withholding certificate to claim reduced withholding tax rates under an applicable U.S. income tax treaty).
How to Get or Renew an ITIN
If you do not have an ITIN but have a U.S. tax filing requirement, you must apply directly with the IRS by submitting Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) along with your U.S. federal income tax return and documentation verifying your identity and foreign status.
Official IRS ITIN Information Page:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-numberIRS Form W-7 Application & Instructions:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-7
Need Help?
If you are unsure whether you should provide an SSN, EIN, or ITIN for your CEX.IO account verification, please consult a qualified tax professional.
For questions regarding how to submit your tax details in the CEX.IO app or website, feel free to reach out to our Support Team via our Help Center.
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