GeoffM

Previously I'd worked on a J-1 in the US and more recently enquired as to whether I had a SSN. The nice people in London looked through their records for me and said they couldn't find one - I now know I wouldn't have had one anyway. But they did say I might have had an ITIN.

So, I've now got a form (unrelated) that asks for SSN or ITIN. Obviously if I have an ITIN I ought to put it in. But how/where do I find out whether (a) I have one, and (b) what it is? Only information I can find involves sending in W7s, tax returns etc, which I don't have.

Thanks.

theOAP

In response to (b).
ITIN = Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc857.html

Orangepants

I believe you used to be able to apply for one - I did in 2005 (forgetting I had a SSN!) but the rules have been revised and you can only get one if you need it for filing purposes now. I think the only way find out if you had one previously is to call the IRS.

GeoffM

Um, what my number is, not what an ITIN is! In hindsight I understand my lack of clarity.

I guess so, but I have horror feelings of being put on hold for yonks on a trans-Atlantic call only to be told that they don't understand why I'm asking whether I have a number and if I do, what it is! The SSN query was a very simple email form to the embassy in London, a couple of back-and-forths, all resolved very quickly. I was kind of hoping there was a similar department for ITINs in London!

AddyLaddy

I got an ITIN for myself and all my family members when I worked in the US back in 2002 on a Visa that didn't qualify for an SSN. It was necessary for filing and paying my taxes. Fortunately I saved the numbers and ITIN cards so that I could use them again when we returned in 2010.
I now have an SSN but my wife and kids still have to use their ITINs

Did you file a tax return with the IRS?

Bob

The US Embassy in London has a IRS office.

Call them there to find out. They are very helpful.

http://london.usembassy.gov/irs/

md95065

... or that they will ask you for your social security number for identification purposes before they will tell you what your ITIN is ...