Should I File Taxes If I’m Undocumented and Don’t Have an SSN?

It’s tax season in the United States, and a common question is if someone is undocumented and doesn’t have a social security number, should they file taxes? The short answer is yes, undocumented immigrants are required to file tax returns and pay taxes on any income earned in the U.S.
How To File Taxes If You Don’t Have A Social Security Number
Why Undocumented Immigrants Should Pay Taxes
- demonstrating that you have paid taxes can be used by your immigration attorney in a removal or deportation case
- applicants who have paid taxes are able to demonstrate “good moral character” to immigration officials
- paying taxes shows that you earn an income and would not become a “public charge”
- an ITIN and payment of taxes can provide proof of physical presence in the U.S.
- an ITIN allows you to open a bank account
- an ITIN can be used as identification by undocumented individuals in Illinois to apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL)
- undocumented workers and ITIN workers can claim the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit for their children under age 17 if the children are documented and have valid SSNs
Are You Undocumented and Want to Pay Taxes?
An experienced immigration attorney can help you apply for an ITIN so you can file your federal and Illinois state taxes. If you are undocumented and need help with your immigration case, the attorneys at Chicago’s Godoy Law Office fight for the rights of immigrants in Illinois and help immigrants navigate the complex and numerous immigration policies, procedures, and regulations. Contact our office at 630-912-0322.