What is a Tax ID (ITIN) and why is it important

1. What is an ITIN?

• An ITIN is an identification number used by individuals who cannot obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to declare their taxes and get a refund of income tax withheld by the IRS. Regardless of your immigration status or country of origin, you are eligible to get an ITIN. However, it is against the law to have both a Social Security and ITIN number at the same time.

• The ITIN is a nine-digit number that always starts with the number 9 and has a 7 or 8 as the fourth digit.

2. Who needs an ITIN?

• You, your spouse, or any of your dependents who are not eligible to have a Social Security number must apply for an ITIN in order to be included in a tax return.

• If you have dependents who live in Mexico or Canada and wish to send more than 50% of the money they need to live, you can apply for an ITIN for each of them and claim them on your tax return. This can help you get a larger refund or may decrease the amount you need to pay.

3. Can I use an ITIN for bank accounts and loans?

Some banks, credit unions and financial institutions accept ITINs to open savings and / or checking accounts that pay interest. You can also apply for a loan to get a car or home using an ITIN.

4. Can I use an ITIN to get a job?

An ITIN is not a work permit and should not be used for work purposes.

5. Can I get Social Security benefits or claim the Earned Income TaxCredit (EITC) with an ITIN?

No, an ITIN does not make you eligible for these benefits

6. Is it safe to have and use an ITIN?

The IRS does not share information about taxpayers who have ITIN with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

7. How can I get an ITIN and what documents do I need for this process?

You will only need a certified copy * of your passport.

The first step to getting your ITIN is to fill out the form with your information. We will then send your data along with the certified copy to the IRS. It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for your document to arrive.

* If you reside or are in the US, the copy must be notarized at the Brazilian Consulate in Miami or at any other Brazilian Consulate in the country. If the city you are in does not have one, Dominium can handle this document for you.