EIIC Taxation Information

How Do I Pay My Income Taxes If I Do Not Have a Social Security Number?

All workers, including undocumented workers, are required to report their income to the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to the state. Even if you are paid in cash, you are required to report your income. Also, if you fail to pay your income taxes, you may be turned down for certain benefits that are paid for by your tax dollars (e.g., State Disability Insurance, Social Security Disability Insurance).

The Taxman Cometh

Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

If you do not have a Social Security Number to report your taxes, and if you cannot get one because you are undocumented, you can use an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) to properly report your income. The Internal Revenue Service can issue an ITIN to any non-resident who earns income in the United States but is not eligible to receive a Social Security Number. As a side benefit, an ITIN usually can be used to open a bank account.

Eiic visitors April deadline looms for another year.

Apply for an ITIN

Applying for an ITIN: If you want to apply for an ITIN, contact the Internal Revenue Service and request Form W-7. You can also ask the IRS for information about “Acceptance Agents,” who are authorized by IRS to help people apply for an ITIN. The IRS can normally process you application in a few weeks, but it may take as long as six or eight weeks to receive your ITIN. The IRS should not contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you request an ITIN.

Tax preparation assistance

Click here for a downloadable list of places you can receive Tax preparation assistance in NYC.