“Lord, please help me understand money.” That’s the prayer 19‑year‑old Lisa whispers most evenings. Her parents came to Minnesota on visitor visas that expired long ago. They still report every penny they earn—Dad even files on time—yet the family keeps cash in cookie tins because they’re uneasy about banks. Lisa’s dream is simple: replace the wheezing minivan, finish community college, and one day surprise her parents with a house deed instead of another rent receipt.
The key to that journey is a nine‑digit code most of her classmates have never heard of: the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN. If you—or someone you love—can’t get a Social Security number (SSN), this guide is for you.
What exactly is it?
An ITIN is a tax‑processing ID issued by the IRS to people who must file U.S. taxes but are ineligible for an SSN. Think international students, undocumented workers, or the spouse of a U.S. citizen waiting on paperwork. The digits look like an SSN (###‑##‑####) but start with a 9 and are used only for taxes.
When you’re starting your financial journey in the U.S., understanding the difference between an ITIN and an SSN is crucial. Both are nine‑digit numbers issued by the government, but they serve very different purposes and unlock different benefits. Here’s how they compare:
Purpose
ITIN: Used exclusively to file and pay federal taxes.
SSN: Used to file taxes, collect Social Security benefits, work legally, and serve as a general federal identification number.
Who Gets One?
ITIN: People who must file U.S. taxes but aren’t eligible for an SSN.
SSN: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain authorized workers.
Credit Reporting
ITIN: Credit bureaus may include your ITIN-based accounts if reported by lenders.
SSN: Universally used by all credit bureaus to track and report your credit history.
Later Conversion
ITIN: If you later qualify for an SSN, you can apply for one and have your ITIN‑based credit history transferred.
SSN: Once you have an SSN, it remains your primary identifier; there’s no “conversion” needed.
By knowing which ID applies to your situation, you can choose the right products—whether it’s filing taxes, opening accounts, or building credit—without confusion or delay.
Find IRS Form W‑7. Download it online or pick it up at a local IRS office.
Gather proof of identity and foreign status.
Easiest: Current passport (one document does it all).
Plan B: Two of the approved documents—like a national ID card plus birth certificate.
Choose a submission route.
Mail the form and originals/certified copies to the IRS (Austin, TX).
Visit an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). They verify documents on the spot, so your passport stays with you. Many credit unions can point you to a nearby CAA.
Book an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment if you prefer handing paperwork directly to an IRS employee.
Pay zero dollars. The IRS charges nothing; any “processing fee” you see is from a third‑party service, not Uncle Sam.
Wait 7–11 weeks for an approval letter. Peak tax season may stretch that timeline, so apply early if you need the number to file.
Does an ITIN expire?
Yes—if you don’t use it on a federal return for three consecutive years. Renew with another W‑7 before the next filing deadline to avoid delays.
Lisa’s parents always believed loans were off‑limits without an SSN. Not so. Here’s what changed their minds after one conversation at First Alliance Credit Union.
First Alliance offers a secured credit card and credit builder loan that accepts an ITIN. Lisa deposited $300, set up an automatic $25 gas purchase each month, and paid the balance in full. Within a year, her credit score broke 700—a number dealerships and landlords actually smile at.
ITIN auto loans exist. Lenders look at income, down payment, and your brand‑new credit history. Expect:
Down payment to show commitment.
Proof of steady income (pay stubs or bank statements).
Interest rates that drop as your score rises.
Lisa saved $2,000 in a First Alliance WINcentive account. With the score she built, she qualified for an affordable four‑year loan on a certified used hatchback—no co‑signer, no predatory lot down the street.
ITIN mortgages consider two years of tax returns, a larger down payment (usually 20–25 %), and work history. Rates can be a bit higher than conventional loans, but each on‑time payment reports to the credit bureaus, boosting your profile. When Lisa upgrades to an SSN later, those payments can be merged into her new credit file—so nothing is lost.
Quick win: First Alliance partners with bilingual loan officers who walk borrowers through every page—no judgment, just guidance.
1. Can I file taxes without an SSN?
Yes.
2. Do I have to mail my passport?
Not if you use a CAA or IRS assistance center; they verify identity on the spot.
3. Will an ITIN help me get a car or credit card?
Absolutely. Many lenders report under ITINs, which means your responsible payments build a credit score.
4. How long does approval take?
Roughly 7–11 weeks after the IRS receives a complete package.
5. What does it cost?
The IRS application and renewal are free. Third‑party helpers may charge service fees—shop around.
6. Can I qualify for a mortgage with an ITIN?
Yes—specialized ITIN home‑loan programs exist nationwide. Plan for a bigger down payment and show two years of consistent tax returns.
7. What documents do lenders want?
Valid ITIN, government‑issued photo ID, proof of income, and recent tax returns.
8. Does the ITIN expire?
It deactivates after three years of non‑use; renew with Form W‑7 before filing.
9. What happens if I later receive an SSN?
Give both numbers to banks and credit bureaus; they can merge your histories so your hard‑earned credit follows you.
First Alliance’s vision is “a financial oasis where everyone has access to the opportunities they deserve.” For Lisa, that oasis began with a form her family once feared. The ITIN let her dad stay square with the IRS, helped Lisa launch a credit file, and soon will carry her parents from rentals to a mortgage pre‑approval.
Your move: Ready to swap cookie‑tin savings for insured accounts, or tired of “buy‑here‑pay‑here” car lots? Show up. Tell us your story. We’ll explore every possibility—no judgment, just honest guidance.
The nine digits on your ITIN aren’t just a tax requirement; they’re a doorway to cars, homes, and futures once thought out of reach. Lisa walked through that door. You can, too.