An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit IRS tax-processing number for people who must file or be reported on a US tax return but cannot get a Social Security Number. It is issued via Form W-7 and is for tax purposes only.
How an ITIN works
You apply with IRS Form W-7, attaching a federal tax return and proof of identity and foreign status, such as a passport. The number always begins with a 9 and, like an SSN, is formatted 9XX-XX-XXXX.
An ITIN does not authorize work in the US, does not grant immigration status, and does not make you eligible for Social Security benefits. It exists purely so the IRS can process taxes tied to a person who has a US filing or reporting obligation.
Note that an ITIN is for individuals, not companies. A business uses an EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead.
Why it matters for a global or Indian founder
If you are a non-US founder owning a US LLC or C-Corp, you may need an ITIN for personal filings even though your company files with its own EIN.
A common point of confusion: you do not need an ITIN or SSN to get an EIN for your US entity. A foreign owner can obtain an EIN by filing Form SS-4 directly with the IRS. Where a personal ITIN typically comes up is for things like a single-member LLC owner who must file a US return, or to claim treaty benefits under the India-US tax treaty.
ITIN = personal tax ID for an individual who cannot get an SSN.
EIN = your company's tax ID; you can get one without an SSN or ITIN.
An ITIN is tax-only: no work authorization, no immigration status, no benefits.
Where it fits with StableCorp
StableCorp forms your US entity and files Form SS-4 to get its EIN, so you can open a US bank account and start receiving USD and USDC on compliant rails, not a grey-area workaround. The EIN, not an ITIN, is what unlocks that setup, and a US bank account application is rejected without one.
For the full walkthrough, see our guide on getting an EIN without an SSN and how to receive USDC payments from US clients. You can compare what formation and off-ramp cost on our pricing page.
This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm your own filing obligations with a qualified advisor or the IRS.
Sources
IRS - Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number
IRS - About Form W-7, Application for IRS ITIN — https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-7