ITIN in the United States: 2026 Guide for Foreign Nationals Without an SSN
- Alejandro
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Are you a foreign national earning income in the United States but do not have a Social Security Number (SSN)? If so, you need to apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to comply with IRS tax obligations and avoid penalties.
In this updated 2026 guide, we explain step by step how to apply for your ITIN, what documents you need, and how Professional Taxes LLC can help you complete the process quickly, safely, and without complications.
What Is an ITIN and Why Is It So Important?
An ITIN is a tax identification number issued by the IRS to individuals who do not qualify for an SSN but are required to file taxes in the U.S. It is a key tool to:
File your federal and state tax returns
Report income legally earned in the United States
Claim tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit or the American Opportunity Credit
Open bank accounts, apply for loans, or complete financial transactions
Include your spouse or dependents on your tax return
Important: An ITIN does not grant immigration status, does not authorize you to work, and does not provide access to Social Security benefits.
Who Needs an ITIN in 2026?
This number is essential for:
Nonresident foreign nationals with income in the United States
Undocumented individuals who are required to file taxes
Freelancers, independent contractors, and self-employed workers without an SSN
Foreign investors with property or businesses in the U.S. who do not have an SSN
Spouses or children included on a joint tax return
If you are earning income in the United States and do not have an SSN, you will most likely need an ITIN to avoid issues with the IRS.
Requirements to Apply for an ITIN
To begin the process, you will need:
Form W-7: The official IRS form used to apply for an ITIN. It must be completed accurately and signed.
Federal tax return: In most cases, this must be submitted together with Form W-7.
Valid identification document:
Valid passport (highly recommended)
National identification card
Birth certificate (in specific cases)
Valid tax purpose: You must demonstrate a legitimate reason for filing taxes in the United States.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an ITIN
Gather your documents: Make sure you have your passport and all required tax information.
Complete Form W-7: Select the correct reason for applying and ensure all information matches your documents.
Prepare your tax return: Even if you do not yet have an ITIN, your tax return must be included with the application.
Submit your application to the IRS: You can mail it directly or apply with the help of an authorized agent such as Professional Taxes LLC.
Wait for the response: The IRS typically takes 7 to 11 weeks to process the application.
When Does an ITIN Expire?
An ITIN expires if it is not used for three consecutive years or if the IRS deactivates it due to internal policy changes. For this reason, it is important to verify its validity before filing your tax return.
Professional Taxes LLC: Your Trusted Partner for a Hassle-Free ITIN Process
At Professional Taxes LLC, we are IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents, which means we can help you apply for your ITIN without mailing your original passport.
We offer:
Personalized guidance in Spanish or other languages with technological support
A fast and secure application process
Professional tax return preparation
Specialized assistance for freelancers, immigrants, investors, and families without an SSN
No need to mail your original passport—we are authorized by the IRS to certify your documents
As tax season begins, this is a great opportunity to apply for your ITIN and start a new chapter in your life in the United States.
Schedule your appointment today and ensure your tax compliance!
Sources
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): ITIN – Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
IRS Form W-7
IRS Publication 1915
PROFESSIONAL TAXES LLC.
480-3430299
3162 E Roeser Rd. Phoenix, AZ. 85040
Comments