The ITIN is an official number issued by the Internal Revenue Service that allows you to declare your taxes, open bank accounts that earn interest, and apply for loans. It is for people who cannot get a valid social security number. The ITIN number is NOT permission to work. Read more about the ITIN.

What identification is needed to apply for the ITIN?

Two types of identification (See below for types of acceptable identification)
1) Official identification with a picture (like a U.S. or foreign driver’s license)
2) Identification that establishes your identity and nationality (like your passport or birth certificate)

To apply for the ITIN:
1) You must become a member of Latino Community Credit Union. The fee is $20.
2) You must open a savings account with a minimum deposit of $110.
3) There is a $30 fee to process the ITIN application.

What documents can be used to apply for the ITIN?

• Passport - If a passport is presented, it is not necessary to show other identification.
• Identification card that verifies your nationality (it should include name, picture, address, birth date and date of expiry)
• U.S. driver's license
• Civil birth certificate
• Foreign driver's license
• U.S. state identification card
• Foreign voter registration card
• United States military identification card
• Foreign military identification card
• Visas
• Personal picture identification card issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does ITIN mean?
A: ITIN stands for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Q: What can I use it for?
A: The primary purpose for using an ITIN is to declare taxes. The ITIN can also be used to earn interest on your accounts, to apply for loans, to begin to build a credit history and to obtain or renew a driver's license or identification card in North Carolina.

Q: Who can obtain an ITIN?
A: The ITIN is for individuals who cannot obtain a valid social security number. If you have a valid social security number, you do not need an ITIN.

Q: Where can I obtain a form to apply for an ITIN?
A: The form that is used to apply for an ITIN is called W-7 and can be downloaded in English or in Spanish by clicking on the following links: Form W-7 Spanish or Form W-7 English. The forms are also available in English and Spanish at IRS offices or in a community center near you.

Q: Are there organizations or people that can provide help with the application?
A: Some local organizations can help you complete the forms, make photocopies, notarize the translation and mail the information. You can expect to pay for these services.

The Latino Community Credit Union offers this service to all members, as long as they provide the proper documentation. For more information about our requirements, click on the link: How to Apply for an ITIN with LCCU.

Q: What do I need to obtain an ITIN?
A: You need two forms of valid, government-issued identification that is not expired to apply for the ITIN. At least one document must contain a photo of you. Acceptable documents include: driver's license or identification card issued by a U.S. state or your country of origin, passport, voter's identification card, military card, or civil birth certificate issued by a government authority of your country. Children under 18 must have two forms of identification as well. They can apply with vaccination records or school records and any of the identification listed above.

Q: Do I have to submit anything else for the ITIN?
A: Along with Form W-7 and your supporting documentation, an original copy of a completed tax return form should be sent.

If you apply for the ITIN with LCCU, under "Exception #1", you do not have to submit a completed tax form. You must be a member of LCCU, that is, you should open a savings account. Although you are not required to submit your tax form at the time of application, it is still very important that you declare your taxes.

Q: Do I have to wait long to receive my ITIN?
A: The IRS will mail you your ITIN eight weeks after completing the paperwork.

If you apply with LCCU, your ITIN will be mailed to the branch where you applied. We will change the status of your account to interest-bearing and call you upon its arrival. You may be required to attend a short class called "An Introduction to Taxes", which is held in the offices of LCCU.

Q: What are the implications for immigration?
A: The ITIN does not have anything to do with the process of immigration. The IRS does not communicate with immigration officials from the Immigration and Naturalizaton Services(INS). If there is an amnesty program, it may be favorable for you to have your tax documents in order.

Q: Can I use the ITIN as a work permit?
A: No. The ITIN is only for people who cannot obtain a valid social security number. You should not give this number to your employer. The ITIN is not a work permit or social security number.

Q: If I have an ITIN, do I have to file my taxes?
A: Unless you are covered under one of the exceptions detailed in the W-7, the procedures state that your taxes will be filed at the time of application. If you already have an account with a financial institution that gains interest, you may qualify as an exception to this rule.