🌱 Origin Series #2: The Power of a 9-Digit Number

Let’s talk about an origin that’s rarely told but deeply impactful: the ITIN—Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Introduced by the IRS in 1996, the ITIN was created so that individuals without a Social Security Number could still comply with U.S. tax laws. It offered a path for millions— many undocumented— to contribute to the economy, legally report income, and gain access to essential financial functions like filing tax returns and even applying for mortgages.

Fast forward to today:

 💵 According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, undocumented immigrants contribute over $11.7 billion annually in state and local taxes. ITIN holders are a major part of this often-overlooked contribution.

In today’s politically charged climate, where immigration and identity continue to dominate headlines, this 9-digit number tells a deeper story— one of participation, resilience, and belonging.

But the ITIN isn’t just symbolic— it’s also strategically important, especially for non-resident individuals earning income from U.S. sources.

Take, for example, the sale of U.S. real estate. Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA), non-resident sellers are subject to a 15% withholding on the gross sale price, regardless of whether there’s a gain.

This is where planning ahead makes all the difference.

✅ With a valid ITIN in hand, you may qualify for a withholding certificate that reduces or eliminates that 15% based on your actual taxable gain.

If a U.S. property sale is on your radar, don’t wait until closing.

Reach out to start the process early—

I'm here to help you keep more of what’s rightfully yours.