ITIN vs SSN: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Updated June 2026 · By Asal Multi Services · Columbus, OH
Quick Answer
- ✓ SSN = issued by Social Security; for citizens and people authorized to work.
- ✓ ITIN = issued by the IRS; for people who must file taxes but can't get an SSN.
- ✓ An ITIN is only for taxes — it does not give work authorization or immigration status.
- ✓ If you qualify for an SSN, get an SSN — not an ITIN.
Both an SSN and an ITIN are nine-digit numbers used on tax forms, so it is easy to assume they are interchangeable. They are not. They come from different agencies, serve different purposes, and qualify different people. Here is a clear, side-by-side explanation so you know which one applies to you.
What each number is for
A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and others authorized to work in the United States. It is used for work, taxes, benefits, credit, and identification.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS specifically so that people who have a U.S. tax obligation but are not eligible for an SSN can still file returns, be claimed as a dependent or spouse, and otherwise comply with tax law. That is its entire job — it is a tax-processing number, nothing more.
Side-by-side comparison
| SSN | ITIN | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Social Security Administration | IRS |
| Who qualifies | Citizens & people authorized to work | People who must file taxes but can't get an SSN |
| Authorizes work? | Yes (for those eligible) | No |
| Used for | Work, taxes, benefits, ID, credit | Tax filing & reporting only |
| How to apply | Social Security Administration | IRS Form W-7 (often with your tax return) |
What an ITIN does — and doesn't — let you do
An ITIN lets you:
- • File a federal tax return and stay compliant with U.S. tax law.
- • Be claimed as a spouse or dependent on a return, where eligible.
- • Open certain accounts and meet some reporting requirements that ask for a taxpayer ID.
An ITIN does not:
- • Authorize you to work in the U.S.
- • Provide immigration status or change your status.
- • Make you eligible for Social Security benefits.
How to apply for an ITIN
You apply with IRS Form W-7, generally submitted together with the tax return that creates your filing requirement, plus documents proving your identity and foreign status. Because the IRS wants original documents or certified copies (such as a passport), many people prefer to work with a Certifying Acceptance Agent or an experienced preparer so they don't have to mail their original passport. Rules and processing times can change — confirm the current requirements at irs.gov.
Need an ITIN or tax help in Columbus?
Asal Multi Services prepares ITIN applications (Form W-7) and tax returns for Columbus families — helping you avoid mailing your original passport and making sure your filing is done right. Walk in or call; Somali, Arabic, and English spoken.
Related guides
- → ITIN Application Guide for Columbus, Ohio Residents
- → Self-Employed Tax Deductions for Ohio Gig Workers
- → Tax Preparation Services (Columbus, OH)
- → Browse all Asal guides & resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between an ITIN and an SSN?
An SSN (Social Security Number) is issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens and people authorized to work in the U.S. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to people who must file or be listed on a U.S. tax return but are not eligible for an SSN. An ITIN is for tax purposes; it does not grant work authorization or immigration status.
Can I work with an ITIN?
No. An ITIN does not authorize you to work in the United States and is not proof of work authorization or immigration status. It exists so that people who are not eligible for an SSN can still comply with U.S. tax law.
Who needs an ITIN?
People who have a U.S. tax filing or reporting requirement but cannot get an SSN — for example, certain nonresident and resident foreign nationals, and dependents or spouses who need to be listed on a return. If you qualify for an SSN, you should get an SSN instead of an ITIN.
How do I apply for an ITIN?
You apply using IRS Form W-7, usually filed together with your federal tax return, along with documents proving your identity and foreign status. Original documents or certified copies are required, which is why many people use a Certifying Acceptance Agent or an experienced preparer to avoid mailing original passports.
Do ITINs expire?
Yes. ITINs can expire if they are not used on a federal tax return for a period of time, or under periodic IRS renewal rules. If your ITIN has expired and you need to file, you renew it with a new Form W-7. We can check whether yours needs renewing.
Can I switch from an ITIN to an SSN later?
Yes. If you later become eligible for and receive an SSN, you should stop using your ITIN and notify the IRS so your tax records can be merged under your SSN. Going forward you use the SSN for everything.
Asal Multi Services is a non-attorney document preparation service and does not provide legal advice. This guide is general information only. Tax rules and ITIN requirements change — verify your specifics with the IRS at irs.gov.