The ITIN Number: What It Is, How to Get It, and How It Helps You Start a Business
We’ve worked with hundreds of people to help them start and grow successful businesses. Many of them didn’t have a Social Security Number and yet they still ran thriving – and legal – businesses. They make money, hire people, get permits, get business insurance, pay taxes, and pay themselves.
How can you do all of that without an SSN? It all starts with the ITIN Number.
What is an ITIN Number?
Anyone can apply for an ITIN Number, regardless of your immigration status. The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who need to file a federal tax return or pay taxes, but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). The idea behind it is that in the US, everyone is required to comply with tax laws – so the ITIN lets you do that.
You can apply for an ITIN and receive it within 2-4 months. Once you have an ITIN, you can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for free, in minutes. And with that EIN, your business can do everything that any other business in the US can do. You’re on equal footing with Apple, Coca Cola, and every business on your street.
That’s why the ITIN is so powerful for people who don’t have a Social Security Number but do want to start a fully legal business in the US.
What an ITIN Number Lets You Do
The most basic thing an ITIN Number lets you do is pay your taxes. This is important because paying your taxes can keep you safe with the government and show that you’ve been a positive part of the US community if you eventually apply for citizenship.
But ITINs let you do much more than that as well. With your ITIN and EIN, you can legally:
Pay yourself from your business
Work as an Independent Contractor for another business.
Hire people
Get business insurance
Get permits and licenses
Sell at festivals and markets
Get a driver’s license. (This varies state by state. In some states, you don’t need an ITIN or an SSN to get a license, in others you need an SSN, and in others an ITIN and an SSN are accepted.)
Open a US business bank account.
What An ITIN Number Does NOT Let You Do
The ITIN is a useful number to have, but there are many things an ITIN does not let you do. For instance, ITINs do not:
Give you work authorization.
Make it so you can get a job legally as an employee.
Provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit.
So never try to use your ITIN as a social security number.
How to Get an ITIN Number
To get an ITIN Number, you submit an application with the IRS. As part of that application, you have to prove your identity and foreign status with certain identification. Once received by the IRS, your application will take 2-4 months to process. The IRS will send you your ITIN by mail or you can call by phone to get it from them.
You can apply for an ITIN number for free directly with the IRS by filling out a W-7 form and the accompanying documentation, including a tax return. From there, you can either send in the application with your identification or go to an IRS Service Center to submit it. However, the application process can be quite complex and requires specific knowledge to ensure your application won't be rejected.
Another option is to go to local Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) like H&R Block or similar local tax preparation companies. CAAs are professionals authorized by the IRS to assist with the ITIN application process, but their fees can range from $300 to $600.
That's why so many people choose Briico to help them get their ITIN for just $150. We guide you through every step, make sure your application is correct, saving you time and complications. And unlike other services, we don't require you to send your original documents to the IRS – rather, we arrange a local IRS appointment so you can submit your application quickly and bring your documents home with you. With Briico, you get the peace of mind knowing your application is in expert hands, without the hefty price tag.
How Does Briico Help With ITINs?
Getting an ITIN is one of the most powerful things you can do as a newcomer to the US. So we’ve made this process easier and cheaper. ITIN applications usually $300-$600 and require mailing your documents to the IRS. We want you to keep your identification (and your money) so we provide the full ITIN application process for less than half the usual cost (just $150) and without sending your precious identification anywhere.
Ready to Get Your ITIN?
We’re ready to help you with our friendly ITIN service. Our team of experts will make the process fast, simple, affordable, and reliable – and answer all your questions along the way.
How Will an ITIN Affect My Immigration or Asylum Case?
Everyone’s legal case is different, so you’ll want to check with your lawyer to confirm the details in your case. But for most people, our lawyer advisors tell us that using an ITIN to start a business is generally a strong positive in any immigration case — showing that you are trying to earn money legally and pay taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions about ITIN Numbers
Q. What is an ITIN?
An ITIN is a special number issued by the IRS for tax purposes. It's for people who don't have a Social Security Number. Having an ITIN helps you file taxes and is one of the numbers you need to start a business. It does not give you work authorization
Q. How long will the ITIN take to get?
As of 2023, most applications are taking 2-3 months from the time they’re submitted. However, that timeline can go faster or slower depending on IRS staffing and the time of year.
Q. How do you get your ITIN after it is approved?
The ITIN will take about 6-12 weeks to process. Once it is complete, the IRS will mail it to you at the address we submitted on your W-7. You can check the status of your W-7 by calling 267-941-1000. If you move, you should update your address with the IRS by sending a letter with your name, your old address, and your new address to: Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342
Q. Can I apply for an ITIN online?
Yes! In fact, Briico’s process is online. The only in-person part is that we’ll arrange an appointment with your local IRS office so you can submit your application without needing to send in your documents.
Q. Are ITIN applications ever rejected?
Yes, sometimes. The IRS can be unpredictable and sometimes a valid application is rejected. From time to time, applications need resubmission, perhaps with small changes. And in that case, Briico will help you resubmit.
Q. What identification do I need to get an ITIN?
You'll need to show some documents to prove who you are. You need to have identification that shows BOTH “foreign status” and “identity” (one from each column below). A passport is the only one that does both.
Q. Do you need a social security number to start a business in the U.S.?
The quick answer is no! Anyone, of any immigration status, can apply for an ITIN and receive it within 2-4 months. Once you have an ITIN, you can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for free, in minutes. And with that EIN, your business can do everything that any other business in the US can do. You’re on equal footing with any other US business.
Q. What is the W7 tax form?
IRS Form W-7 is the foundation of the application you’ll submit to get your ITIN. The form itself is simple to complete but requires a lot of supporting documentation — and that’s the part that can be tricky to get right.
Ready to Get Your ITIN?
We’re ready to help you with our friendly ITIN service. Our team of experts will make the process fast, simple, affordable, and reliable – and answer all your questions along the way.
Sources: Immigrants Rising, Leslie Polanco-Linares, Esquire of Linares Legal Salas, and Briico’s experience with immigrant entrepreneurs over two decades.
Please note: This article is intended to provide general information and is not intended to be specific legal advice. It was written by Briico, which is not a legal service or law firm. Each person's legal and financial situation is unique, and laws can change often. Therefore, for legal advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult with a qualified professional.