SSN vs ITIN for J2 Dependents, which is more applicable to you? | FAQs

Описание: SSN vs ITIN for J2 Dependents, which is more applicable to you?


What is SSN?
SSNs are used to report a person’s wages to the government and to determine that person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits.
Only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN.
Sa madaling salita, pre-requisite ang Employment Authorization Document (EAD) kapag kukuha ng SSN.

What is ITIN?
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents. The ITIN is only available to individuals who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN).
Sidenote: Getting an ITIN DOES NOT give the individual the right to work in the U.S.

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Scenario: J2 Dependent, Husband/Wife of a J1 Teacher with the intention of working in the US. Which one is more applicable to you?

SSN. Apply for SSN thru I-765 form along with your EAD. If you have received your EAD and SSN is delayed, go to the nearest SSA office to follow up.

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Scenario 2: J2 dependent, 16 yrs child of a J1 teacher with the intention of working in the US. Which one is more applicable to you?

SSN. Apply thru I-765 form along with your EAD application.
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Scenario 3: J2 dependents, minor kids of a J1 teacher without intending to work in the US. Should they need an SSN or ITIN?

If there's no intention of working in the US, getting your kids an SSN is not required.

But if your J2 husband intends to declare your kids as 'dependents' for tax return declaration, then ITIN is the best course of action.
Addition: Ano bang benefit of getting ITIN for your minor kids without intention to work?

Hindi basta basta ang declaration ng dependents sa tax return kaya kailangan nila ng ITIN. If a dependent's ITIN is missing sa tax declaration, the exemptions will be denied and refunds will be adjusted accordingly.

The main benefit is to get higher tax returns. (explain ko sa ibang post yung basic overview ng taxation dito sa US.)

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How to apply for ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for your J2 minor kids?

Fill in - IRS Form W-7
See this link for the instructions on how to fill in IRS Form W-7 https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7)
Here is the link to get a copy of the IRS form W-7 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf)

2. Other supporting documents (please read the W-7 Form instruction for the supporting docs)

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How to send it to IRS?

Thru Mail - Address below
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
In person. You can apply for your ITIN by visiting designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). Google nyo lang nearest in your area.
Through an acceptance agent (Seek recommendation of tax-preparer or accountant in your area)

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Turn around time for getting ITIN for your dependents?
Allow 7 weeks for the IRS to notify you of your ITIN application status (9 to 11 weeks if you submit the application during peak processing periods (January 15 through April 30)