리뷰 인사이트

1. The two ID numbers you’ll hear about on day one

SSN vs. ITIN (what’s the difference?)

SSN (Social Security Number):
For people who are allowed to work. It’s used for jobs, taxes, and benefits.

ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number):
A tax-only ID from the IRS for people who can’t get an SSN but still need to file taxes or claim treaty/withholding refunds. It doesn’t give you work authorization or benefits.

Quick rule:
If you can get an SSN, do that. If you can’t but still have a U.S. tax reason, apply for an ITIN.

2. Do I need an ITIN—and how do I get it?

You need an ITIN if you don’t qualify for an SSN and you have to file a U.S. tax return (or be listed as a spouse/dependent on one), or you need to claim a refund or a tax treaty benefit.

How to apply:

Fill out Form W-7, attach it to your original tax return (1040 or 1040-NR), and include your ID (usually a passport—original or a certified copy by the issuing agency).
You can mail it, book an IRS office appointment, or use a CAA (Certifying Acceptance Agent) to help with documents.

First year is usually paper filing (because W-7 must be attached).
After your ITIN is issued, you can e-file future returns.

ITINs expire if you don’t use them on a federal return for three tax years in a row (they lapse on Dec 31 of the third year). You can renew when you need it again.

3. Which form do I file—1040 or 1040-NR?

U.S. tax law looks at whether you’re a tax resident or nonresident for the year (this is separate from immigration status).

Tax resident (usually files Form 1040):

• You have a green card, or
• You meet the Substantial Presence Test (SPT): count all days this year + 1/3 of last year + 1/6 of the year before; 183 or more usually means resident. Residents report worldwide income.

Tax nonresident (usually files Form 1040-NR):

• You don’t meet those rules; in general you report U.S.-source income only.
  (See IRS Pub 519 for details and exceptions.)

Mixed-status couples: in some cases you can elect to file jointly as residents to simplify life, but that can pull your non-U.S. income into the return. Talk to a pro first.

4. Deadlines you can’t miss (and how extensions really work)

Most people:
file by April 15 each year. You can request an extension with Form 4868—that extends paperwork, not payment. If you owe, pay by April 15 to avoid penalties/interest.

Living outside the U.S. on the due date?
There’s an automatic two-month extension to file and pay (commonly to June 15) for U.S. citizens/residents abroad—interest may still apply if you pay after April 15.

5. Common forms you’ll see in your first year

W-2 (salary), 1099-NEC (freelance), 1099-INT/DIV (interest/dividends).

Bought ACA/Marketplace health insurance? You’ll get 1095-A and must reconcile any advance credit at tax time. (Keep all forms in one folder. It saves you.)

6. Credits & rules that trip up newcomers

EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit): You generally need a valid SSN (ITINs don’t qualify).

Child Tax Credit: The child must have an SSN to qualify for the main CTC/ACTC.

7. Got money in non-U.S. accounts? Read this.

Two separate regimes—confusing, but important:

• FBAR (FinCEN): If your combined balance in foreign accounts ever goes over $10,000 during the year, you must e-file an FBAR by April 15; there’s an automatic extension to Oct 15 every year. (This is filed on the FinCEN system, not with your tax return.)
  
• FATCA Form 8938 (IRS): If your foreign financial assets are above certain thresholds, you attach Form 8938 to your tax return. The thresholds vary by filing status and where you live.

8. First-year checklist (save this)

Get the right number: SSN if eligible; otherwise apply for ITIN with W-7 + your tax return.

Decide 1040 vs. 1040-NR using the SPT/green-card rules.

Track the deadline (April 15). Use Form 4868 if you need more time—but pay by April 15.

Keep every W-2/1099/1095-A and bank statements in one folder.

If you hold foreign accounts, check FBAR/Form 8938 rules early.

9. Rookie mistakes to avoid

Thinking an ITIN lets you work (it doesn’t).

E-filing the very first year you apply for an ITIN (the W-7 process usually means paper the first time).

Extending the return but forgetting to pay by April 15.

Ignoring foreign-account reporting until the last minute.