IDENTITY & TAX FILE

Separate immigration status, work authorization and tax identity.

An SSN and ITIN serve different purposes. Neither should be purchased, invented or used to guess tax residency.

INPUTS

Gather the facts first.

01

Passport, immigration and work-authorization documents

02

SSN eligibility or existing number

03

U.S. filing requirement and ITIN eligibility

04

Exact legal name used by payroll and accounts

DECISION MAP

Use the branch that matches the evidence.

Decision map
Situation	Evidence	Action
Eligible for SSN	SSA rules and documents support application.	Use the official SSA process and preserve confirmation.
Not SSN eligible but tax ID required	IRS ITIN rules apply.	Follow Form W-7 instructions or authorized acceptance procedures.
Name/number differs across systems	Payroll, bank or tax record mismatch exists.	Correct the originating record and retain notices before filing.

DO THE WORK

Complete it in order.

Step 1

Determine SSN eligibility through official guidance.

Step 2

Determine whether an ITIN filing need exists.

Step 3

Use authorized application channels only.

Step 4

Keep one secure identity and notice file.

YOUR NEXT MOVE

Finish with the correct identity and tax-ID path documented.

Use the official agency record. Do not apply for or use an identifier simply because a bank, employer, or unofficial checklist suggested it.

SSN eligibility is confirmed.

ITIN need is not confused with work authorization.

Official instructions are used.

Identity originals are handled safely.

Legal name is consistent.

Notices and filing copies are retained.

PRIMARY REFERENCES

Verify current rules at the source.

NEXT DECISION