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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between ITIN and SSN?

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The main difference between an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a Social Security Number (SSN) lies in their purpose and eligibility. Here are the key differences:

ITIN:

  • Issued to certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get an SSN.
  • Used for tax reporting purposes and/or for claiming tax treaty benefits.
  • Does not entitle the recipient to social security benefits, indicate immigration status, or give the right to work in the U.S.
  • Cannot be used in place of an SSN (if eligible for the latter) for tax and wage reporting.

SSN:

  • Issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to citizens and certain noncitizens who are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Serves as a personal identification number for various purposes, including work, collecting Social Security benefits and pensions, and being eligible for other social services.
  • Required for tax and wage reporting.

In summary, an ITIN is a tax identification number for individuals who cannot obtain an SSN, while an SSN is a personal identification number issued by the SSA to citizens and certain noncitizens authorized to work in the U.S. An ITIN cannot be used interchangeably with an SSN for tax and wage reporting.

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  • What is the Difference Between ITIN and SSN?
  • Comparative Table: ITIN vs SSN

    • Comparative Table: ITIN vs SSN

    Here is a table comparing the differences between an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a Social Security Number (SSN):

    Feature ITIN SSN
    Purpose Used for tax purposes by foreign-status residents Used for tax purposes and general identification by US citizens and authorized non-citizen residents
    Eligibility Nonresident and resident aliens, including undocumented immigrants and noncitizen residents US citizens and authorized non-citizen residents, such as green card holders and international students on visas
    Issuing Authority Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Social Security Administration (SSA)
    Format A nine-digit number A nine-digit number, formatted as XXX-XX-XXXX
    Usage Required for tax compliance when an SSN is not available Required for tax compliance, employment, and other government services
    Restrictions Cannot be used for employment purposes Can be used for employment purposes
    Application Process Applicants must submit IRS forms and documentation proving their foreign status Applicants must submit SSA forms and documentation proving their citizenship or authorized residency status
    Validation The IRS invalidates ITINs if the holder later obtains an SSN and should contact the IRS to combine their tax records under their SSN identity There is no need for a separate validation when holding an SSN

    Remember that individuals cannot have both an ITIN and an SSN at the same time, and if someone obtains an SSN after having an ITIN, the ITIN is invalidated.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.