Apply for ITN Canada

tax certificate

What is an Individual Tax Number (ITN)? 

If you are not qualified for a Social Insurance Number, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will use your Tax Number (ITN) to identify you for tax reasons (SIN).

If any of the following apply to you as an international student who is not qualified for a SIN:

If you receive a scholarship from any university

To ensure the university can produce your T4A tax forms, you must input a SIN or ITN into your Student Service Centre (SSC) before January.

You need to submit your tax return

Depending on your circumstances, you might need to submit a tax return as an international student who is currently residing in Canada.

It is recommended to apply for ITN if: 

  • file a tax return in Canada
  • Dispose of taxable Canadian property by applying to waive or decrease 
  • Canadian withholding tax on payments that you receive.

Even if your circumstances change, an ITN can only be issued once. It is worthwhile to apply for an ITN since not having one might result in paying more withholding tax than necessary or preventing you from receiving some tax breaks.

Suitable Candidates

No matter what their immigration status is, both residents and nonresidents can get an ITIN. If a person is not qualified for an SSN, they can apply for an ITIN on behalf of themselves, their spouses, and any dependents. Who could require an ITIN?

non-resident aliens who must submit tax returns

Dependents or the spouse of a U.S. citizen or resident alien Resident aliens who must submit a tax return owing to the number of days they have spent in the country Nonresident alien visa holders' dependents or spouses

An ITIN can also be obtained by taxpayers who reside overseas.

The Application

The ITIN is a nine-digit number with an SSN-like structure. You must complete IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to request an ITIN. To complete this one-page application, you must:

Name, birth name, and place of birth, if different

Identification proof, such as a passport, driver's license, or other government-issued identification, should be included with the application. Foreign immigration or status documents, either in original form or certified copies

If you've already used an ITIN, you must disclose that number on your application.

Final message

Individual Tax Number (ITN) is a crucial number for your documents and is especially important during tax season. It is a nine digit number that Canadians, non-residents, and residents can take. In case of any difficulty, reach out to the CRA or any expert for better understanding. 

Written By:
Salman Rundhawa
Salman Rundhawa is the founder of Filing Taxes. Salman provides valuable tax planning, accounting, and income tax preparation services in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, and Hamilton.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

January 7, 2025
Conquer 2025 Canadian Tax Season: Your Complete Guide

Navigating taxes can be challenging, especially with each year bringing new rules and adjustments. As we approach the 2025 tax season in Canada, it's essential to understand the changes to make sure you file correctly and potentially save money. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know for a smooth tax […]

Read More
December 4, 2024
Timing Tax Filings in Canada: File on Time Even If You Can't Pay Now

Filing your taxes in Canada can feel overwhelming, especially if you're facing financial struggles. But here’s the good news: you can file your taxes on time even if you can’t pay right now. Let’s explore how to handle this situation without losing your peace of mind. Filing A Return Isn’t the Same as Paying Your […]

Read More
November 26, 2024
How to Maximize Tax Savings as a High Net-Worth Individual in Toronto

Toronto, the beating financial heart of Canada, is home to a growing population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Navigating the tax system in Toronto can feel overwhelming, especially for those with significant wealth. High net-worth individuals face unique challenges that require specialized knowledge and strategies. With large amounts of wealth come complex tax situations that require […]

Read More
1 2 3 68
Contact Form Demo

This will close in 0 seconds

phone-handsetchevron-down Call Now linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram