← Guides: ITIN, US tax, LLC & banking · อ่านภาษาไทย
What is an ITIN, and do you need one?
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who need a US taxpayer identification number but aren't eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). It always starts with 9 and is written like 9XX-XX-XXXX.
An ITIN is only for US federal tax purposes. It doesn't give you permission to work in the US, doesn't change your immigration status, and doesn't make you eligible for Social Security benefits.
Who usually needs an ITIN
- People outside the US who must file a US federal tax return — for example to report US income, or to get back US tax that was withheld from a payment.
- People claiming a US tax treaty benefit where the payer or the IRS requires an ITIN.
- The husband, wife or dependant of a US citizen or US resident who is filing a US tax return.
- The spouse or dependant of someone living in the US on a visa who files a US tax return.
When you might not need one
If a US company only asks you to fill in Form W-8BEN (common for brokers, online platforms and royalties), your Thai tax identification number is often accepted instead. Check with the company first — you only need an ITIN if they, or the IRS, actually require one.
How TinTax helps
TinTax prepares your Form W-7 application with a guided bilingual form, checks your documents, files the application and keeps you updated until your ITIN arrives.
Ready to apply?
TinTax prepares and files your ITIN application from Thailand — one guided form, secure upload, and updates at every step.
See prices and apply →More guides
- How to apply for an ITIN from Thailand
- Which documents do you need for an ITIN?
- Does an ITIN expire? How to renew it
- Form W-8BEN for Thai YouTubers, authors and investors
- US LLC for Thai sellers: Amazon, Shopify, Stripe and more
- How to get an EIN without an SSN (for non-US owners)
- Opening a US bank account from Thailand: your options
- Filing a US tax return (1040-NR) from Thailand
- Getting paid in US dollars in Thailand: bank transfer, Wise, Payoneer or PayPal
General information only — not tax or legal advice. TinTax is not affiliated with the IRS.