Office of International Education and Development

Yes, you need a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) to file your tax return.  

If you are a resident, you also need an SSN or ITIN for your dependents. If you are married and your filing status if Married Filing Jointly, you need an SSN or ITIN for your spouse. If you are married and your filing status is Married Filing Separately, your return cannot be filed electronically without your spouse’s SSN or ITIN.

If you are a nonresident from Canada, Mexico, or South Korea or a student or business apprentice from India, you may be able to claim your children as dependents. Everyone claimed on the return must have an SSN or ITIN.