)
)
ITIN vs SSN: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
)
)
If you've read about ITINs, you've probably wondered how they're different from a Social Security number and why it matters which one you have.
An ITIN and an SSN are both nine-digit numbers that let you file US taxes, but that's largely where the similarity ends.
An SSN is broader: it's your general identifier for work, benefits, and much of everyday life in the US.
An ITIN exists for one purpose only: tax administration, for people who aren't eligible for an SSN.
ITIN vs SSN, side by side
)
When do you need an SSN instead of an ITIN?
)
You're eligible for an SSN if you:
Are authorized to work in the US
Are a US citizen or permanent resident
You can't apply for an ITIN if you already qualify for an SSN; the IRS will reject the application.
The two numbers are meant to be mutually exclusive for any one person.
)
)
What if I get an SSN later?
It's common for someone to start out with an ITIN, while waiting on work authorization, for example, and later become eligible for an SSN.
If that happens to you, notify the IRS so they can link your tax records under your new SSN and retire the old ITIN.
You'll need to submit a written request that includes:
Your full name and mailing address
Your ITIN
A copy of your CP565 Notice of ITIN Assignment (if available)
A copy of your Social Security card
What's next
If you haven't yet worked out whether you need an ITIN at all, start with our guide to what an ITIN is and who needs one.
If you already know you need one, see our step-by-step guide to applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an ITIN and an SSN interchangeably?
No. Both let you file taxes, but only an SSN authorizes work and qualifies you for Social Security benefits. They serve different purposes even where they overlap.
What happens if I use my ITIN after I get an SSN?
You should stop using the ITIN and switch to your SSN for all future tax filings, after notifying the IRS to merge your records. Continuing to use an old ITIN can create confusion in your tax history.
Do employers accept an ITIN in place of an SSN?
No. An ITIN doesn't authorize employment, so employers require an SSN (or valid work authorization documentation) for payroll purposes, not an ITIN.
Is a TIN the same thing as an ITIN?
"TIN" (Taxpayer Identification Number) is the umbrella term — it includes SSNs, ITINs, and a few other IRS-issued numbers. An ITIN is one specific type of TIN.
Send money with Ria
Whichever number applies to you, once your finances are set up in the US, sending money home is simple with Ria.
Send money to your loved ones across the world; fast, and secure. Start your transfer today.
About the author
Gabriela Solis
Gabriela Solis is Ria's Senior Content Writer. Located in Querétaro, México, she focuses on telling stories that show the myriad human faces of remittances.
Related posts
Why Migrants Send Money: The Emotional Side of Remittances
Sending money home is about more than financial support. Explore the pride, love, responsibility and pressure behind remittances and what they mean for migrants.
How to Build Credit in the US as an Immigrant
Landlords, lenders, and even phone carriers check your credit, and having none can feel like having bad credit. Here's how to build a US credit file from zero, safely.
How to open a US bank account without an SSN
Here's what you actually need to open a US bank account as an immigrant, and how to avoid the most common reasons applications get turned down.
What Is an ITIN and Do You Need One?
An ITIN lets you file US taxes and open many bank accounts without a Social Security number. Here's who needs one, what it does, and what it costs.