What are you really owed when you file with an ITIN?
"ITIN filers get nothing back" is false. You recover what was over-withheld, you get $500 per dependent, and in California up to $3,756 of CalEITC. Here's what you can and can't claim — 2026 rules, verified.
Estimate your refund with an ITIN
With an ITIN you CAN claim
With an ITIN you CAN'T claim (since 2025)
Email me my estimate + the document list for filing with an ITIN
Methodology & data sources
With an ITIN you can file a federal return and recover over-withheld tax: we compute your 2026 federal tax with the IRS tables (standard deduction + brackets, Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and compare it with what was withheld. Since tax year 2025, the OBBB requires a Social Security number for the federal Child Tax Credit and EITC — ITIN filers don't qualify, even if their children have SSNs — but the $500 Credit for Other Dependents remains available and we include it. In California, the FTB expressly accepts the ITIN for state refunds and for the CalEITC (up to $3,756 with income up to $32,900, tax year 2025) and the Young Child Tax Credit — we flag them when you say you live there (claimed on the state return). Filing also builds your tax record. Our Freshness Keeper checks these parameters against the IRS and FTB yearly.
Sources: IRS — CTC · FTB — ITIN & state credits · FTB — CalEITC · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32
Frequently asked questions
Do I get money back with an ITIN?
Yes — everything over-withheld, same as with an SSN. Plus $500 per dependent.
Do my kids' SSNs get me the Child Tax Credit?
Not since 2025: the OBBB requires the filer to have an SSN. With an ITIN filer there's no federal CTC even if the kids have SSNs — the $500 ODC remains.
And in California?
The FTB accepts ITINs: CalEITC up to $3,756 (income ≤$32,900, TY2025) and the Young Child Tax Credit, on the state return.
Do I need to renew my ITIN?
If unused for 3 consecutive years it expires — renew with Form W-7 before filing.