Topic hub
Taxes, SSNs, ITINs, and identity documents
Know which agency handles each number and how to prepare for federal tax filing.
Key takeaways
Start with the answer
- Use SSA for Social Security numbers and IRS for tax filing and ITIN rules; neither a generic guide nor an ITIN decides immigration status.
- Follow official sources to the agency or plan that controls the next step.
- State, local, plan, contract, and individual facts can change the answer.
The short answer
Use SSA for Social Security numbers and IRS for tax filing and ITIN rules; neither a generic guide nor an ITIN decides immigration status.
Choose a task
Use the task guides below to move from orientation to a verified next step. Each guide shows its review date, source links, safety boundary, and related route.
Task routes
Choose what you need to do
Prepare your federal tax filing documents
Organize identity, income, deduction, credit, and prior-year records before choosing a filing method.
SSN vs. ITIN: what each number does
Use the issuing agency’s eligibility rules; the two numbers serve different purposes.
Choose a tax return preparer carefully
Verify the preparer, understand credentials and representation rights, agree on fees, and never sign a blank or incomplete return.
Primary sources
Verify with the responsible agency
- IRS — Filing information for individualsgovernment
- SSA — Social Security number and cardgovernment
How this page was made
This page was drafted with AI assistance, edited for plain language, and checked against the official sources listed above. Source review confirms that the cited pages support this general starting point; it is not expert review or personalized advice. See the editorial policy and corrections process.