What happens to your ITIN when you get an SSN?

Your ITIN becomes inactive once the IRS links it to your new SSN. You must stop using your ITIN immediately after receiving an SSN. All future tax filings, bank accounts, and financial documents should use your SSN. The IRS merges your prior tax history (filed under your ITIN) with your SSN records. Your previous tax returns, credits, and payments transfer to the SSN record.

How do you notify the IRS to merge ITIN and SSN records?

Write a letter to the IRS at: Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0057. Include your full name, current mailing address, your ITIN, your new SSN, and a request to combine the accounts. Include a copy (not original) of your Social Security card. The IRS processes the merge within 4 to 8 weeks. Do not include this request with a tax return. Send it as a separate letter.

Can you use both ITIN and SSN at the same time?

No. Once you receive an SSN, you must use it exclusively. Using both an ITIN and SSN simultaneously can cause duplicate records, processing errors, and potential fraud flags in IRS systems. If you file a tax return using your ITIN after receiving an SSN, the return may be delayed or rejected. Notify the IRS immediately upon receiving your SSN to prevent issues.

Do your prior ITIN tax records transfer to your SSN?

Yes, after you notify the IRS to merge the records. All tax returns, payments, refunds, credits, and tax history filed under your ITIN are linked to your new SSN. This includes prior year returns, estimated tax payments, and any credits or carryforwards. The merge process takes 4 to 8 weeks. Once complete, your entire tax history appears under your SSN when you access IRS records.

What situations make someone ITIN-eligible then SSN-eligible?

Common scenarios: receiving a green card (permanent residency) after having an ITIN, obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) through DACA, receiving work authorization through a visa change (H-1B, L-1, O-1), gaining asylum or refugee status, and marriage to a US citizen followed by adjustment of status. Each of these changes makes you SSN-eligible when you were previously ITIN-eligible only.

Does getting an SSN affect your immigration case?

No. Applying for an SSN does not affect any pending immigration case. The SSA and USCIS share some data for verification purposes, but SSN issuance is based on existing immigration status. You can only get an SSN if you already have authorization (green card, valid EAD, etc.). The SSN application does not trigger any immigration review or change your status.

What happens to bank accounts opened with an ITIN after you get an SSN?

Contact each bank and financial institution to update your records from ITIN to SSN. Bring your Social Security card and photo ID to the branch. The bank updates your account records. Your account number, balance, and history remain unchanged. Credit history built under your ITIN should transfer to your SSN credit file, though you may need to contact the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to ensure proper linkage.

Can you claim EITC after switching from ITIN to SSN?

Yes. Once you have a valid SSN, you become eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) worth up to $7,830 in 2026. ITIN holders cannot claim EITC, but SSN holders can. You can also amend prior returns (up to 3 years back) to claim EITC for years when you had work authorization and an SSN. This can generate significant refunds. Consult a tax professional for amendment calculations.

Can an ITIN Become an SSN? No Direct Conversion

Q: How do you apply for an SSN after having an ITIN?

Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office with: your passport, immigration documents proving SSN eligibility (green card, EAD, I-94, etc.), and any other SSA-required documents. Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. You receive a Social Security card by mail. There is no fee. You can find your nearest SSA office at ssa.gov/locator.

Updated April 2026

Direct answer: No. An ITIN cannot be directly converted to an SSN. If you become SSN-eligible (through a green card, work authorization, or other status change), apply for an SSN separately at the Social Security Administration. Then notify the IRS by letter to merge your ITIN tax records with your new SSN. The merge takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Why Can't an ITIN Be Converted to an SSN?

ITINs and SSNs are issued by different federal agencies for different purposes. The IRS issues ITINs for tax identification. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues SSNs for employment authorization, Social Security benefits, and identification. They operate under different laws: ITINs under IRC Section 6109, SSNs under the Social Security Act. The numbering systems are separate (ITINs start with 9, SSNs do not). There is no administrative mechanism to change one into the other. When your status changes and you become SSN-eligible, you apply for a completely new number from the SSA. See our ITIN vs SSN comparison for all differences between the two systems.

How Do You Apply for an SSN After Having an ITIN?

Visit your local SSA office (find locations at ssa.gov/locator). Bring: your passport, immigration documents proving SSN eligibility (green card, Employment Authorization Document, I-94 arrival/departure record, visa stamp), and birth certificate if available. Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). There is no fee. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. The SSA mails your Social Security card to your address. You receive a 9-digit SSN that is completely separate from your ITIN. Common eligibility triggers include receiving a green card, obtaining an EAD through DACA, or changing to a work-authorized visa status.

How Do You Merge Your ITIN Records With Your New SSN?

After receiving your SSN, write a letter to: Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0057. Include: your full legal name, current mailing address, your ITIN number, your new SSN, and a clear request to merge the records. Attach a copy of your new Social Security card (do not send the original). The IRS processes the merge within 4 to 8 weeks. After the merge, all prior tax returns, payments, credits, and history filed under your ITIN appear under your SSN. Do not file this request with a tax return. Send it as a standalone letter via certified mail for tracking.

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What Benefits Do You Gain by Switching From ITIN to SSN?

Switching to an SSN unlocks significant benefits. The Earned Income Tax Credit (up to $7,830 in 2026) becomes available. Full Social Security benefit accrual begins. All employer types can hire you without restrictions. More credit card and loan options become available. You can open accounts at any financial institution (some require SSN). Certain government benefits become accessible. You gain full access to IRS online services. All tax credits previously restricted to SSN holders become available. The financial impact of EITC alone makes the transition worth $2,000 to $7,830 annually for eligible filers.

What Happens to Credit History Built Under an ITIN?

Credit history does not automatically transfer from your ITIN to your SSN. You must contact each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to link your ITIN credit file to your new SSN. Some creditors update automatically when you provide your SSN, but many do not. Contact each creditor (banks, credit card companies) and request they update your records to your SSN. The credit bureaus can merge your ITIN and SSN credit files upon request. Provide both numbers and proof of identity. This process takes 30 to 60 days. Your credit score and history should carry over after the merge. See our credit building guide for more on managing credit with an ITIN.

Can You Amend Prior Returns After Getting an SSN?

Yes. After merging your ITIN and SSN records, you can amend up to 3 prior years of returns to claim benefits that were previously unavailable. The most significant: the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If you had earned income and work authorization in prior years but filed with an ITIN (which blocks EITC), you can amend those returns using Form 1040-X with your SSN to claim EITC. For a family with 2 children earning $45,000, the EITC is approximately $6,600 per year. Amending 3 years could generate $15,000 to $20,000 in refunds. Consult a tax professional to determine your eligibility for each prior year.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid During the ITIN-to-SSN Transition?

Avoid these 5 common mistakes. First, do not continue using your ITIN after receiving an SSN. Second, do not file tax returns with both numbers. Third, do not forget to notify the IRS to merge records. Fourth, do not assume your credit history transfers automatically. Fifth, do not delay updating financial institutions. Update your records with banks, employers, and the IRS as soon as you receive your SSN. Delays cause duplicate records, processing errors, and potential fraud flags. The sooner you complete the transition, the cleaner your records.

Government Sources

ITIN-to-SSN transition procedures per IRS Publication 1915. SSN application per SSA Form SS-5 instructions. Record merge procedures per IRS internal guidance. EITC eligibility per IRC Section 32. Credit bureau merge procedures per FCRA. Information current as of April 2026.

ITIN to SSN: Frequently Asked Questions

No. There is no process to convert an ITIN into an SSN. They are separate identification numbers issued by different agencies (ITIN by the IRS, SSN by the Social Security Administration). If you become eligible for an SSN, you must apply for one independently through the SSA. Once you receive your SSN, notify the IRS to merge your ITIN tax records with your new SSN.

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