An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN) but who are required to file a U.S. tax return.
ITINs are important because they allow foreign nationals and other non-U.S. citizens to file their taxes and receive tax refunds. They also allow them to open bank accounts, apply for driver’s licenses, and access other government services.