ITIN Guide
ITIN for Non-US Residents (2026) Guide
Non-resident aliens with US income need an ITIN to file tax returns. Required for rental income, investment income, and tax treaty benefits. Apply with Form W-7.
Who Needs
Which Non-Residents Need an ITIN?
- Rental property owners — US rental income requires tax filing
- Investors — US dividends, interest, capital gains
- Students — US scholarship income
- Spouses — Filing jointly with US citizen spouse
- Tax treaty claimants — Claiming reduced withholding
- Freelancers — US-source service income
| Situation | Need ITIN? | Need EIN? | |-----------|-----------|----------| | US rental income (individual) | Yes | No | | US LLC ownership | Maybe | Yes | | US investments | Yes | No | | US business entity | No (use EIN) | Yes |
See EIN for non-residents for business tax IDs.
Difference
ITIN vs EIN for Non-Residents
| | ITIN | EIN | |-|------|-----| | For | Individuals | Businesses | | Format | 9XX-XX-XXXX | XX-XXXXXXX | | Use | Personal tax returns | Business tax returns | | Application | Form W-7 | Form SS-4 | | Processing | 7-11 weeks | 4-7 days (fax) |
Many non-residents need BOTH: an EIN for their LLC and an ITIN for personal tax filing. See EIN vs ITIN.
Apply
How to Apply
Submit Form W-7 + Form 1040-NR + passport to IRS. ein.so ITIN: $197 / $297.
Related: ITIN number | How to get ITIN
Frequently Asked Questions
Do non-residents need an ITIN?
Non-residents with US-source income who must file a US tax return need an ITIN if they cannot get an SSN.
Do I need ITIN or EIN?
ITIN for personal tax filing. EIN for business tax filing. You may need both if you own a US LLC and have personal US income.
Can I get ITIN from outside the US?
Yes. Mail Form W-7 to IRS or use a CAA who can certify your documents remotely.
How long does it take?
7-11 weeks from IRS receipt.
What tax return do non-residents file?
Form 1040-NR (US Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return).
Need an EIN? We Handle Everything.
Non-US resident? We file Form SS-4 with the IRS and deliver your EIN by email. Just $49.
Get My EIN for $49