EMPLOYMENT LAW: Illegal California Workers Prefer Income Tax Number over SS Number

April 18, 2011

Oakland – Many undocumented workers in California have chosen to file their income tax returns rather secure Social Security numbers in the hope of better chances in earning their citizenships, reports said.

Many immigrant workers said paying income taxes is one way of showing responsibility and could help them in the future.

Accountants and tax officials have noted that many illegal workers use the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification number) more often. In fact the Internal Revenue Service said nearly 3.8 million returns were filed in 2009 alone.

All American workers, whether naturalized or immigrant, must use the ITIN to file their taxes. On the other hand, a Social Security number is used to avail of federal benefits when one retires or becomes a disable.