What if I don't have a Social Security Number (SSN)?
You must have some form of taxpayer identification number when filing your income tax return. For most individuals this is a Social Security number (SSN). If you aren't a US citizen and don't qualify for an SSN, you must use an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
If you don't have an ITIN, you can apply for one while filing your federal income tax return. For now, enter 999-89-0000 for the SSN.
Note, you will not be able to e-file your return if you're applying for an ITIN. You'll need to mail it with a completed Form W-7 and any required supporting documents before April 15, 2026 (October 15, 2026 if you filed an extension). If you apply after that date, the IRS may deny certain credits on your return.
If you're applying for multiple ITINs, you'll need to enter a different SSN for each individual on your return starting with the SSN 999-89-0000 and going up by 1. For example, the first individual's SSN would be 999-89-0000, the second individual's SSN would be 999-89-0001, the third individual's SSN would be 999-89-0002, and so on.
If you don't have an ITIN, you can apply for one while filing your federal income tax return. For now, enter 999-89-0000 for the SSN.
Note, you will not be able to e-file your return if you're applying for an ITIN. You'll need to mail it with a completed Form W-7 and any required supporting documents before April 15, 2026 (October 15, 2026 if you filed an extension). If you apply after that date, the IRS may deny certain credits on your return.
If you're applying for multiple ITINs, you'll need to enter a different SSN for each individual on your return starting with the SSN 999-89-0000 and going up by 1. For example, the first individual's SSN would be 999-89-0000, the second individual's SSN would be 999-89-0001, the third individual's SSN would be 999-89-0002, and so on.
