Getting a Tax Refund When You Have an ITIN Instead of a Social Security Number

Yes, you can get a tax refund with an ITIN, but the process has specific rules

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but don't have a Social Security number. If you have an ITIN and taxes were withheld from your paychecks, you can file a tax return and receive a refund just as someone with a Social Security number can. The IRS treats ITIN filers the same way for refund purposes — you file the same form, follow the same rules, and get money back the same way.

The main difference is not whether you can get a refund, but how you receive it. If you don't have a U.S. bank account, the IRS can mail you a check. If you do have a bank account, you can have the refund deposited directly, which is faster and safer than waiting for mail.

Key Takeaways

You file taxes with an ITIN using Form 1040, the same form as anyone else, and you can receive a refund if taxes were withheld from your pay.
The IRS will not issue an ITIN refund to a credit card, prepaid card, or mobile payment app — only to a bank account or by check in the mail.
If you don't have a U.S. bank account, a check is your only option, and it can take four to six weeks to arrive after the IRS processes your return.
Some refunds are held for additional review, which can delay payment by weeks or months; the IRS will contact you if this happens.
You need your ITIN, proof of income (like a W-2 or 1099), and documentation of any deductions you claim before you file.

How to file your return with an ITIN

You file using Form 1040, which is the standard individual income tax return. You enter your ITIN in the box where someone with a Social Security number would enter theirs. You can file on paper by mailing the form to the IRS, or you can file electronically using tax software that accepts ITIN filers.

Not all tax software accepts ITIN numbers — some programs are restricted to Social Security numbers only. Before you buy or start using software, check whether it says it works with ITINs. Free software options that do accept ITINs include IRS Free File partners; you can find the list on the IRS website by searching "Free File." If you use a tax preparer or accountant, they can file for you, though there will be a fee.

You will need to gather the same documents as anyone else: your ITIN, any W-2 forms from employers, any 1099 forms for other income, receipts or records for deductions you plan to claim, and proof of any credits you may be due (like the Earned Income Tax Credit, which ITIN filers can claim in some cases).

Where your refund can be sent

The IRS offers two ways to send you a refund if you have an ITIN: direct deposit to a U.S. bank account, or a paper check mailed to your address. You cannot have a refund sent to a credit card, prepaid card, or payment app, even if you have one.

Direct deposit is faster — the IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of accepting your return. A mailed check takes longer: the IRS processes the return in about 21 days, then the check is printed and mailed, which adds another two to four weeks depending on mail speed in your area. Some people receive checks in three weeks; others wait six weeks or longer.

If you choose direct deposit, you will need to provide your bank's routing number and your account number. Make sure these are correct before you submit your return — an error in either number means the IRS cannot deposit the money and will mail you a check instead, which delays everything by weeks.

Why your refund might be delayed

The IRS reviews some ITIN returns more carefully than others, especially if the return claims certain credits or if there are inconsistencies in the information provided. This review can add weeks or months to the process. If the IRS needs more information from you, they will mail you a letter explaining what they need and when to send it.

Common reasons for review include claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, reporting self-employment income, or having a mismatch between the name and ITIN on your return and the name and ITIN on file with the IRS. If you receive a letter from the IRS, respond promptly with the documents they ask for — delays in responding delay your refund.

You can check the status of your return using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website. You will need your ITIN, filing status, and the refund amount. The tool updates once a day, usually overnight.

ITIN refunds and the Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable credit, meaning you can receive money back even if you owe no tax. ITIN filers can claim the EITC if they meet the income and work requirements. However, there is one important rule: your spouse (if you are married and filing jointly) must also have an ITIN or a Social Security number — you cannot claim the EITC if your spouse has neither.

If you are single or your spouse has a Social Security number or ITIN, you may be due a larger refund through the EITC than through withholding alone. The credit is worth checking into if your income is below a certain level; the IRS website has a tool to see if you might may have access to.

What to do if your check does not arrive

If you chose a mailed check and six weeks have passed since the IRS accepted your return, you can contact the IRS to ask about it. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and have your ITIN, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether the check was mailed, whether it was returned as undeliverable, or whether your return is still being processed.

If the check was returned as undeliverable, the IRS will hold it and you will need to provide a corrected address. If the check was lost in the mail, the IRS can issue a replacement, though this takes additional time. If your return is still being processed, the IRS can tell you why and when to expect a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I have never had a job in the U.S.?

No. A refund comes from taxes withheld from your income. If you have never worked and had taxes taken from your paychecks, there is nothing to refund. You can still file a return if you had other income (like interest or self-employment earnings) and taxes were withheld, but you must have had income and withholding to receive a refund.

What if I lost my ITIN or don't remember the number?

You can find your ITIN on any tax return you filed, on a W-2 or 1099 form from an employer, or on your ITIN assignment letter from the IRS. If you cannot find it anywhere, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your name and date of birth, and they can look it up for you.

Can I file a return and get a refund if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. An ITIN is specifically for people who are not U.S. citizens but need to file taxes. Your citizenship status does not prevent you from filing a return or receiving a refund. You file the same way and follow the same rules as anyone else with an ITIN.

Does getting a refund affect my immigration status?

No. Filing a tax return and receiving a refund is a financial transaction with the IRS and does not change your immigration status or create any immigration consequences. The IRS and immigration authorities are separate agencies.

What if my refund is smaller than I expected?

Common reasons include tax credits you thought you may have access to for but did not, deductions that were disallowed, or errors in the income reported on your W-2 or 1099. The IRS will explain any changes they made to your return in a letter. If you disagree with the changes, you can respond to the letter with documentation supporting your position.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.