How do I obtain a Tax ID to receive payments in the USA?

When you enter the universe of US visas, understanding tax obligations is essential.

Even if the main focus of your P visa is professional or sports performance, receiving payments in the country requires that you are properly registered in the American tax system. This means you will need a Tax Identification Number (“Tax ID”), which can be a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), depending on your situation and work authorization.

For those authorized to work in the US, the most common method is to apply for the SSN, issued by the Social Security Administration. If you do not qualify for the SSN, you will need to obtain an ITIN through the IRS, intended for foreigners who need to file taxes but are not eligible for the SSN. The ITIN process requires filling out Form W-7 and submitting documents that prove identity and connection to the country of origin, according to official IRS guidelines.

For more complex cases, the support of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or specialized company can be helpful, always with caution. Regardless of the method, it is essential to strictly follow immigration and tax laws, consulting official sources and avoiding intermediaries without legal security.

In short, verify your eligibility for the SSN or the need for the ITIN, gather the appropriate documents, and correctly follow the procedures to ensure legal payments without future complications.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.