How is it possible for an illegal to file a tax return if they aren't even eligible for a SSN?

Question

"The IRS issues Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer ID# but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain a SSN from the SSA. ITIN's are issued regardless of immigration status."

I found this info on www.irs.gov website to report SS fraud--we've just crossed over...into the twilight zone.

Answer 1

It's all a question of money, my dear. The IRS doesn't care if they are illegal or not, they just want to collect that MONEY!

Answer 2

They are issued a number to file taxes. Funny how the government doesn't seem to care about their status when they pay taxes, yet they turn that story around and say illegal immigrants are taking away form the us economy??????? Funny isn't it.

Answer 3

at least they have a way of paying taxes. so they are going to issue these to illegals, then why cant we go back and track them down and deport them

Answer 4

ITINs are not intended for illegal criminal aliens. They are intended for people that are otherwise qualified to work in the U.S. but do not qualify for a SS #. There's no "twilight zone" here. Illegal criminal aliens CANNOT legally work in the U.S. PERIOD.

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0...

I cut and pasted this from the IRS website.



"Are ITINs valid for work purposes?

No. ITINs are for federal income tax purposes only. Getting an ITIN does not change your immigration status or your right to work in the United States".

EDIT:

My bad. I meant to say they are intended for people that are otherwise qualified to be in the U.S., do not qualify for a SS #, but are required to file taxes.

I cut and pasted this from the IRS website...the same one we both referenced.

"Who needs an ITIN?

IRS issues ITINs to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for SSNs. A non-resident alien individual not eligible for an SSN, who is required to file a U.S. tax return only to claim a refund of tax under the provisions of a U.S. tax treaty, needs an ITIN.

Examples of individuals who need ITINs include:

Non-resident alien filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for an SSN

U.S. resident alien (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for an SSN

Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien

Dependent or spouse of a non-resident alien visa holder"

Answer 5

because ITINs can be used to file for investment income, bank interest, etc. by foreign investors. The problem with illegal immigrants is that for every $1.00 paid into the system $17,000 is taken out of thesystem.

Answer 6

Because the IRS isn't concerned with immigration status, just as the USCIS doesn't care what your social security payments are.

They are different areas of government.