To see if you qualify for an ITIN Call 888-774-6788 and a HispanicLending.com Customer Service Representative will be glad to provide assistance.

For more information about an ITIN read the information below.

What is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is a nine-digit number that always begins with the number 9 and the IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have U.S. tax return and payment responsibilities under the Internal Revenue Code.

What is an ITIN used for?
ITINs are for federal tax reporting only, and are not intended to serve any other purpose. However, some mortgage companies are now accepting ITINs for individuals that cannot get a Social Security Number. An ITIN does not authorize work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit. ITINs are not valid identification outside the tax system. IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws, and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for Social Security Numbers.

Who needs an ITIN?
IRS issues ITINs to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for Social Security Numbers. A non-resident alien individual not eligible for an Social Security Number, who is required to file a U.S. tax return only to claim a refund of tax under the provisions of a U.S. tax treaty, needs an ITIN.

Examples of individuals who need ITINs include:

• Non-resident alien not eligible for a Social Security Number and would like to apply for a mortgage with HispanicLending.com mortgage partner, MortgageSelect.com.
• Non-resident alien filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for a Social Security Number.
• U.S. resident alien (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for a Social Security Number.
• Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien
• Dependent or spouse of a non-resident alien visa holder

How do I know if I need an ITIN?
If you do not have a Social Security Number and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number but you have a requirement to furnish a federal tax identification number or file a federal income tax return, you must apply for an ITIN. By law, an alien individual cannot have both an ITIN and a Social Security Number.

Are ITINs valid for identification?
No. ITINs are not valid identification outside the tax system. Since ITINs are strictly for tax processing, IRS does not apply the same standards as agencies that provide genuine identity certification. ITIN applicants are not required to apply in person, and IRS does not further validate the authenticity of identity documents. ITINs do not prove identity outside the tax system, and should not be offered or accepted as identification for non-tax purposes.

Are ITINs valid for work purposes?
No. ITINs are for federal income tax purposes only.

How do I apply for an ITIN?
You may apply by completing an Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, Form W-7 (click here to download the form) or you may apply by calling HispanicLending.com at 888-774-6788 or emailing us at info@HispanicLending.com.

What identification do I need to get an ITIN?
An original, or a certified or notarized copy, of an UNEXPIRED passport is the only document that is accepted for both identity and foreign status. If you do not have a passport, you must provide a combination of current documents that contain expiration dates – the IRS accept docs issued within 12 months of the application if no expiration date is normally available. The documents must also show your name and photograph, and support your claim of foreign status.

IRS will accept certified or notarized copies of a combination (two or more) of the following documents, in lieu of a passport:

• National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)
• U.S. driver's license
• Civil birth certificate
• Foreign driver's license
• U.S. state identification card
• Foreign voter's registration card
• U.S. military identification card
• Foreign military identification card
• Visa
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
• Medical records (dependents - under 14 years old - only)
• School records (dependents and/or students - under 25 years old - only)

Where do I find more information about the ITIN?
Please visit the Internal Revenue website at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html or contact your local IRS Tax Payer Assistance Center to find your local IRS Assistance Center click here.