Do ITIN and SSN have the same number of digits?

Yes. Both are 9-digit numbers in the format XXX-XX-XXXX. The key difference is that all ITINs start with the digit 9 and have middle digits in specific ranges (50-65, 70-88, 90-92, 94-99). SSNs never start with 9. This formatting distinction allows the IRS and other systems to immediately identify whether a number is an ITIN or an SSN.

Can I have both an ITIN and an SSN at the same time?

No. The IRS does not allow an individual to hold both an active ITIN and an active SSN simultaneously. If you currently have an ITIN and later become eligible for an SSN (through marriage, green card, or work authorization), you must apply for the SSN and then contact the IRS to merge your tax records. The IRS retires your ITIN and transfers all tax history to your SSN. Call 1-800-829-1040 to initiate the merge.

Can I open a bank account with an ITIN instead of an SSN?

Yes. Many US banks accept an ITIN for opening personal bank accounts. Major banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have policies allowing ITIN holders to open checking and savings accounts. Requirements vary by branch and bank. You typically need your ITIN, a valid passport, and proof of address. Some banks also require a secondary ID. Credit unions are often more ITIN-friendly than large national banks.

Does an ITIN affect my credit score?

An ITIN alone does not create a credit score, but it can be used to build one. The 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) accept ITINs for credit reporting. If you have credit accounts, loans, or credit cards reported under your ITIN, you will develop a credit history and score. Some credit card issuers and lenders specifically serve ITIN holders. Building credit with an ITIN takes the same 6+ months as with an SSN.

Can I file taxes with an ITIN the same way I would with an SSN?

Mostly yes, with some differences. ITIN holders file Form 1040-NR (non-resident) or Form 1040 (if they are resident aliens) just like SSN holders. However, ITIN holders cannot e-file their federal tax returns as the primary taxpayer. They must paper-file by mail. ITIN holders also cannot claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). They can claim the Child Tax Credit if their dependents have SSNs, per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act rules.

How long does it take to get an ITIN compared to an SSN?

An SSN typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after applying at a Social Security Administration office. Newborns can receive SSNs in 2 weeks when applied for with the birth certificate. An ITIN takes 7 to 11 weeks of IRS processing time after submission, plus preparation time. Through a CAA like itin.so, total time is 8 to 14 weeks. The ITIN process is longer because the IRS manually reviews identity documents and verifies tax obligations.

Do ITIN holders pay the same tax rates as SSN holders?

Yes, the same federal income tax brackets apply to both ITIN and SSN holders. Non-resident aliens filing with an ITIN use the standard tax rates on Form 1040-NR. However, non-residents cannot claim certain deductions and credits available to residents. Resident aliens filing with an ITIN on Form 1040 have the same tax treatment as SSN holders. State tax obligations also apply equally regardless of whether you use an ITIN or SSN.

What benefits can I get with an SSN that I cannot get with an ITIN?

SSN holders can work legally in the US, claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (worth up to $7,830 in 2026), collect Social Security retirement and disability benefits, qualify for Medicare, and e-file their federal tax returns. ITIN holders cannot do any of these. However, ITIN holders can file taxes, claim certain credits, open bank accounts, get driver licenses in many states, and obtain business licenses. An ITIN serves its purpose as a tax processing tool.

If I get an SSN, do I need to tell the IRS about my old ITIN?

Yes. You must contact the IRS to merge your ITIN tax records with your new SSN. Write to the IRS ITIN Operation at P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342, or call 1-800-829-1040. Include your new SSN, your old ITIN, your full name, and your current mailing address. The IRS will combine all tax history filed under both numbers. Failure to merge records can cause issues with refund processing, credit transfers, and future filings.

ITIN vs SSN: Complete Comparison for 2026

Updated April 2026

Direct answer: An SSN (Social Security Number) is issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and authorized workers by the Social Security Administration. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to individuals who need to file US taxes but are not eligible for an SSN. Both are 9-digit numbers, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. An SSN authorizes employment and Social Security benefits. An ITIN is strictly a tax processing number. Below: 8 key differences, who qualifies for each, what each enables, and what to do if your status changes.

What Is the Core Difference Between an ITIN and an SSN?

The core difference is authorization scope. An SSN is a multi-purpose identifier that authorizes employment, tracks Social Security contributions, and serves as a tax identification number. An ITIN has exactly one purpose: federal tax processing. The IRS created ITINs in 1996 specifically because millions of people had US tax obligations but no way to identify themselves to the tax system without an SSN.

The Social Security Administration issues SSNs under the Social Security Act. The IRS issues ITINs under Internal Revenue Code Section 6109. These are separate agencies with separate authority. An SSN is tied to your lifetime earnings record and future benefits. An ITIN is tied only to your tax filings. For context on how both fit into the broader tax ID system, see our ITIN vs TIN guide.

Who Qualifies for an SSN vs an ITIN?

SSN eligibility requires US citizenship, permanent resident status (green card), or employment authorization from USCIS. Approximately 450 million SSNs have been issued since the program began in 1936. Every US citizen receives an SSN, typically at birth when parents complete Form SS-5 at the hospital.

ITIN eligibility requires a US federal tax obligation and ineligibility for an SSN. The IRS lists 8 qualifying categories on Form W-7: non-resident aliens filing tax returns, resident aliens without SSN eligibility, dependents or spouses of US citizens claimed on returns, treaty benefit claimants, non-resident aliens with US-source income, international students with taxable income, and foreign owners of US business entities. Approximately 4.4 million ITINs are currently active per IRS data.

The distinction is clear: if you can get an SSN, you must get an SSN. The IRS will reject your ITIN application if you are eligible for an SSN. Learn more about eligibility in our who needs an ITIN guide.

What Are the 8 Key Differences Between ITIN and SSN?

Feature	SSN	ITIN
Issuing agency	Social Security Administration	IRS
Work authorization	Yes	No
Social Security benefits	Yes	No
First digit	1-8	Always 9
Expiration	Never expires	Expires after 3 years of non-use
E-filing	Yes	No (paper filing only as primary)
EITC eligibility	Yes	No
Application method	In-person at SSA office	Mail or CAA

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What Can You Do With an ITIN That You Cannot Do With an SSN?

The question is usually asked in reverse, but there are situations where an ITIN serves a purpose an SSN cannot. An ITIN allows non-resident aliens to file US tax returns and claim refunds on over-withheld taxes. It allows foreign nationals to claim tax treaty benefits that reduce or eliminate US tax on specific income types. It enables compliance with US tax law without requiring immigration status changes.

For example, a freelancer on Upwork or Fiverr living outside the US can use an ITIN to submit a W-8BEN form and reduce withholding from 30% to 0% under an applicable tax treaty. Without an ITIN, they would lose nearly a third of their US-source earnings to withholding. An SSN would not be appropriate because these individuals are not US residents or authorized workers.

What Financial Services Accept an ITIN Instead of an SSN?

Many US financial institutions accept ITINs. For banking, Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most credit unions allow ITIN holders to open checking and savings accounts. For credit building, some issuers offer secured credit cards to ITIN holders. For investment, brokerages like Interactive Brokers accept ITINs for stock trading accounts.

Services that do not accept ITINs include employment-based benefits (401k, Social Security), government benefit programs requiring SSNs, and some mortgage lenders (though FHA loans are available to ITIN holders through specific programs). Payment platforms like Payoneer and Wise also accept ITINs for US payment service access.

What Happens If You Get an SSN After Having an ITIN?

If your immigration status changes and you become eligible for an SSN, you must take 3 steps. First, apply for your SSN at your local Social Security Administration office. Second, once you receive your SSN, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or write to the ITIN Operation center to request that your ITIN records be merged with your new SSN. Third, stop using your ITIN on all future tax filings and use your SSN instead.

The IRS will transfer all tax history, payments, and credits from your ITIN to your SSN. This ensures continuity of your tax record. Failure to merge records can result in lost credits, delayed refunds, and IRS notices. The merge process takes 4 to 8 weeks. For the complete process, read our guide on ITIN to SSN transition.

How Do You Apply for an ITIN if You Do Not Qualify for an SSN?

You apply for an ITIN by submitting Form W-7 to the IRS. The 3 submission methods are: mail your application with original documents to the IRS ITIN Operation center in Austin, Texas; visit one of approximately 370 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in person; or use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) like itin.so.

The CAA route is the most practical for non-US residents. You keep your passport, handle everything remotely, and benefit from professional preparation that reduces rejection risk. At itin.so, Standard service costs $297 with 7 to 10 business day preparation, and Express costs $297 with 2 to 3 business day preparation. Both include a 100% money-back guarantee. Read the full process in our 2026 ITIN application guide.

Government Sources

This guide references IRS Publication 1915, IRS Form W-7 Instructions, Social Security Administration publications EN-05-10002 and EN-05-10096, Internal Revenue Code Section 6109, and the Social Security Act. Tax rates reference IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-11. All information is current as of April 2026.

ITIN vs SSN: Frequently Asked Questions

No. An ITIN cannot be used for employment in the United States. The IRS explicitly states in Publication 1915 that an ITIN does not authorize work. Only an SSN, issued by the Social Security Administration to US citizens, permanent residents, and authorized workers, permits employment. Employers who accept an ITIN in place of an SSN on Form I-9 are in violation of federal law.

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