What is the Tax ID Number?
The Tax ID Number (or ITIN Number) identifies the person who will be reporting to the American Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
It is used by individuals who do not have a Social Security Number (similar to CPF in Brazil) to file their taxes in the United States.
As most Brazilians in the United States do not have a Social Security Number, the Tax ID serves as a temporary substitute for tax regularization with the American Internal Revenue Service.
In other words, the Tax ID is used for paying taxes in the United States.
It does not grant you the right to work, nor does it alter your immigration status. It does not perform the same functions as the Social Security Number.
It is only used to regularize your situation with the IRS. Since tax evasion is a crime, you are required to obtain it if you are an individual working in the U.S.
Brazilian residents, be aware! Tax evasion or delayed payments can be reasons for denying a future Green Card.
Tax evasion in the U.S. is very serious, especially for illegal immigrants.
Do not assume that since your situation is illegal, you do not need to follow American laws.
When do I need the Tax ID Number?
Apart from the tax obligation of obtaining the Tax ID Number, it is also required in other cases.
The Tax ID Number can also help build your credit history, as it is required when opening an account in an American bank, for example.
Many Brazilians illegal migrants think they cannot open a bank account in the U.S. This is not true!
With the Tax ID Number, you can:
- Open a bank account
- Apply for a credit card
- Seek financing
- Buy a house
- Rent out a house
- Buy a car
- Establish a company
- Pay taxes
- File tax returns
- Receive a salary
all of this, even with an illegal immigration status.
How to obtain the Tax ID Number
The Tax ID can be issued by any immigrant, regardless of immigration status (including illegal immigrants).
To obtain the Tax ID Number, you only need to fill out and submit a W-7 form to the American Internal Revenue Service and request an official application.
Depending on the situation, when filling out the W-7 form, you may need to attach the income tax return or other documents.
The information must be accurate, as the IRS may deny the request even for small errors.
Consult a professional to understand the requirements so that your application is not denied.
A notarized copy of your passport and proof of residence is required.
If you do not have a passport, you can use a notarized copy of the American driver’s license (photo ID).
This process can be done with the help of an accountant, and the certificate takes 8 to 12 weeks to be issued, costing around $150.
After obtaining the Tax ID, you will need to file your income tax every year and renew it every 5 years.
