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1. What Is an ITIN?

1.1 What Is an ITIN?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The IRS issues ITINs to people who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA), but who need an ITIN.

1.2 What Is an ITIN Used For?

The IRS issues ITINs to individuals to help them comply with U.S. tax laws and to allow tax returns and payments from people who are not eligible for an SSN to be processed and recorded efficiently. These numbers are issued regardless of immigration status, because both resident and nonresident aliens as defined by tax law may have U.S. tax filing obligations under the Internal Revenue Code. An ITIN cannot be used for purposes other than federal tax filing.

1.3 An ITIN Does Not:

• Authorize work in the United States
• Provide eligibility for Social Security benefits
• Qualify a dependent for the Earned Income Tax Credit

2. Why Do You Need an ITIN?

An ITIN can be used to build U.S. credit. In some cases, it can replace an SSN when applying for certain bank credit cards. For cloud residents and credit card users, an ITIN is practically essential.

An ITIN can replace an SSN when applying for checking accounts or credit cards at the following banks:

2.1 Banks That Accept ITIN for Credit Card Applications Include:

• American Express
• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Chase
• Citibank
• Apple Card (Goldman Sachs)

2.2 Banks That Do Not Accept ITIN for Credit Card Applications Include:

• Barclays
• Discover
• US Bank
• Wells Fargo

3. How to Apply for an ITIN

3.1 Self-Reliant Method: Apply by Yourself

If you have U.S. stock income, you can use the tax form issued by your broker and apply to the IRS yourself to obtain an ITIN. This requires mailing your original passport.

3.2 Brutal Method: Find a CAA Agent Online

You can find an agent through Fivver.com. This avoids mailing your original passport, but the price is relatively high, around RMB 1,500. Recently, some people online have waited more than half a year without receiving one, so there is a risk of being scammed. Choose carefully. Several agents commonly used by others should be fine. The biggest advantage is that you do not need to mail your passport.

3.3 Ordinary Method: Apply Through the Forum Owner

You can ask the forum owner to help apply for an ITIN. You only need your original passport or a notarized copy. The price is favorable: RMB 1,000 with the original passport, and RMB 600 for forum members. Because the original document needs to be mailed, it is recommended to use a clean passport without visas. Passports with visas are not recommended, because the IRS returns passports by regular mail and there is a risk of loss. You can contact the forum owner on Telegram at @applyitin for consultation.

3.4 Private Address: I Strongly Do Not Recommend Buying Address Packages on Fiverr

You can find a private address yourself through anytimemailbox.