Guide To Get An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) For H-4 Visa Holders

H-4 visa holders who depend on H1 visa holders can’t get a Social Security Number (SSN). So, they think they can’t get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) number either. But that’s not true, and you definitely should get an ITIN because the Internal Revenue Service needs you to file your taxes every year.

If you are considering filing your US taxes while on an H-4 visa, you might need an ITIN. To get this number, you must fill out a form, show proof of who you are and where you are from, and send it in the mail or drop it off in person. This detailed guide covers how to get an ITIN, what it is, why you might need it, and how to send in your application.

Overview of an ITIN

ITIN is an acronym for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to file tax documents and serves as a unique identifier for the taxpayer. This number is exclusive to individuals in the US who hold a US taxpayer identification number but are ineligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for any reason.

The main use of an ITIN is to connect people without SSNs to the country’s tax regulations, facilitating their tax payment and responsibility. ITINs, as outlined in the Internal Revenue Code, are distributed to citizens and non-citizens, covering resident and non-resident aliens. In conclusion, you qualify for an ITIN if:

• You are not eligible for an SSN and cannot get one alone.
• You are required to file a federal tax return and fall into one of the following groups:
• Resident/non-resident aliens are required to file a tax return with the IRS.
• Non-resident aliens claiming benefits under a tax treaty.
• Non-resident alien students, researchers, or professors filing tax returns with the IRS or seeking benefits.

This covers H-4 visa holders and their partners, who usually have to do their taxes even though they can’t work in the US.

When do you need an ITIN?

Not every person with an H-4 visa needs an ITIN, but there are various scenarios where it is essential:

• Submitting a US tax return: If you earn any income from sources in the US, such as interest from US bank accounts or rental income from US properties, you must file a tax return and will require an ITIN.
• Applying for tax benefits: If you qualify for tax benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, you must have an ITIN to claim these benefits.
• Being listed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return: If your spouse or another US taxpayer includes you as a dependent on their tax return, you need an ITIN.

ITIN and H-4 visa holders

H-4 visa holders must send their tax papers in the US, just like anyone here. Understanding what an ITIN can and can’t do is important, especially once you find out you need one for your H-4 visa. An ITIN doesn’t:

• Let you work in the US.
• Make sure you are allowed to get Social Security benefits.
• Help you prove you are a dependent for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Applying for an ITIN?

Ready to get your ITIN and take care of your tax issues? Here is a simple and easy-to-follow guide on how to do it, ensuring you have all the important info and the latest news.

• Put your ID cards and other stuff together.
• Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number: Grab your passport or any other official ID that is your main proof of who you are. Make sure to fill out Form W-7 correctly, making sure all the info matches what is on your passport or ID.
• Proof of who you are: Show up with a real passport or government ID with a photo and birthdate. You might also need a driver’s license or a national ID card in some cases. If you are not from the US, show you can’t get an SSN. You can use a copy of your H4 visa, a passport from another country with a stamp showing you were there, or an I-94 record showing when you arrived or left the US.
• Extra stuff you might need (optional): Depending on your situation, you might need more documents like bank statements, tax forms, or proof of renting a place. Check out the IRS website for more info.
• Pick how you want to file.
• Mail: Drop off your application and all the documents needed at the IRS address on Form W-7.
• IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC): You can make an appointment and drop off your application in person at a TAC near you.
• Authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA): Look for a CAA approved by the IRS to handle your application. This way, you might get it done faster, but you will have to pay a fee.
• Keep an eye on your application.

If you go to a TAC, it usually takes six to eight weeks to mail it in or seven to ten business days. Once they have assigned you an ITIN, you will receive a letter in the mail that tells you your ITIN and how to get it online.

The processing timeline

If you are an H-4 visa holder looking to get an ITIN, you should know that the time it takes to get your ITIN sorted out, according to the IRS, is usually around six weeks. But, it could drag on, especially in busy times like January and March. Keep an eye on your application’s progress and contact the IRS if you haven’t heard back after six weeks.

ITIN expiration and renewal

If your ITIN isn’t used for three years in a row, it won’t be good anymore. If you try to file your taxes with an old ITIN, it will still happen, but it will take longer, and you won’t get any deductions or rebates. To get your ITIN back, you must send the IRS a Form W-7 and proof of identity.

Tips to help your application

• Be careful: Ensure everything on your application and any extra documents you send is spot-on. Mistakes can slow things down.
• Stay in the loop: Check the IRS website regularly for any updates on how to file or what you might need.
• Get help if you need it: If you are unsure about anything or if you are eligible, talk to a tax professional for personalized advice.
• Get all the needed documents early, and check the IRS website for the latest list and alternatives. Contact your embassy or consulate for replacements or other verification methods if you are missing anything.
• Choose the best filing method based on processing time, ease of use, and costs. Mail is cheaper but slower, CAA is faster but has fees.
• Ensure your application is complete to avoid errors or delays in missing information.
• You can track your application online after submission and quickly reply to any requests for missing information. If you don’t hear back, contact the IRS.
• If you find IRS notices hard to understand, use translation tools or seek help from tax professionals or immigration lawyers familiar with IRS processes.
• You can save money by exploring free or low-cost options such as IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, local legal aid groups, or volunteer tax preparation services.

The advantages of getting an ITIN

Getting an ITIN if you are a H–4 visa holder has a bunch of perks:

• Easy tax filing: By getting your taxes right, you can avoid getting hit with fines and keep a good vibe with the IRS.
• Tax perks: You can play in the tax benefits game, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit, which can cut your tax bill and help your family.
• Financial freedom: If you are making money in the US, like renting out property or investments, an ITIN lets you manage your money and pay your taxes.
• Future benefits: Having an ITIN shows you are good with money and can help with future visa stuff or job changes.

An ITIN doesn’t let you work, but it does let you manage the US tax system, claim what you are due, and pay your tax duties while you are here.

Additional benefits of an ITIN

• Opening credit and starting a credit history: Using an ITIN makes getting credit cards easier, builds a credit history step by step, and provides a strong financial foundation. This is important if you want to ask for loans later, rent a house, or get utilities.
• Setting up bank accounts: With an ITIN, you can legally open bank accounts, keep your money safe, and deal with the official banking world. This simplifies moving money around, paying bills, and possibly getting services like loans or investments.
• Putting money aside for later: An ITIN lets you invest in retirement funds or personal investment accounts. This helps you plan for a financially stable future and build wealth over time.
• Keeping things organized: Using an ITIN when filing US taxes means you are keeping your financial records in order, which makes financial organizations and the government more confident in you.
• Avoiding big penalties: Not paying your taxes on time can lead to hefty fines. An ITIN helps you handle your taxes and avoid legal or money problems.
• Showing you are responsible with money: Having an ITIN proves you are good with your finances, which can help when applying for a visa or dealing with other legal stuff.

Get help!

If you are an H-4 visa holder and live in the US, getting an ITIN is important. The experienced immigration lawyers at Gehi and Associates know how to get an ITIN and can help you at every step. Our team can guide you through the documents you need and ensure you send everything incorrectly to the IRS, helping you avoid delays or rejections.

Call us now to learn how we can help you get an ITIN.