ITIN documentation frequently asked questions FAQs Internal Revenue Service

To apply for an ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual. You will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within seven weeks if you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete. Taxpayers with an ITIN can complete the registration process to access their IRS online account, which provides balance due, payment history, payment plans, tax records, and more. At Expat CPA, we specialize in helping non-residents, US citizens and expats remain compliant with the latest IRS tax codes.

Bring it to your local IRS office, or use an acceptance agent (colleges, financial institutions, or accounting firms that are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs). They’ll review the W-7 and documentation before sending it to the IRS. The IRS has updated procedures that affect the individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) application process.

1. You will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within seven weeks if you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete.
2. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
3. You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year when you have a filing or reporting requirement.
4. Even though the basic process for obtaining an ITIN is fairly straightforward, IRS forms are notoriously confusing for citizens and foreign nationals alike.
5. In lieu of sending original documentation, you may use an IRS authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) or make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) location.
6. Applicants can also submit their W-7 by scheduling an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center while in the United States, or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent either in the United States or abroad.

Q12: When an individual renews their ITIN will they retain the same ITIN or receive a new one?

The IRS will then return the documents in the envelope provided by the applicant. You can file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), with your federal income tax return. You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status. If you qualify for balance sheet quiz and test an exception, then file Form W-7 with your proof of identity and foreign status documents and supporting documentation for the exception. IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws, and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for Social Security numbers. They are issued regardless of immigration status, because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code.

Where to apply?

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

What do I do if my name has changed since I received my ITIN?

You may also choose to submit certified copies from the issuing agency instead. Original documents you submit will be returned to you at the mailing address shown on your Form W-7. Applicants are permitted to include a prepaid Express Mail or courier envelope for faster return delivery of their documents.

To find a local CAA in your area, you can visit Acceptance Agent Program. CAAs can authenticate all the identification documents for the primary and secondary applicant. For dependents, they can authenticate the passport and civil birth certificate; however, they must send the original or certified copies of all other documents directly cpa vs accountant: what is the difference devry university to the IRS.

ITIN holders must verify their identity through the video chat process and will need a valid email address, proof of ITIN, one primary document and one secondary document. As the name implies, an ITIN is a dedicated tax ID number that allows individuals to does an expense appear on the balance sheet report their earnings, expenses and deductions to the IRS. These unique numbers are reserved for U.S. taxpayers who are unable to obtain a traditional Social Security number.

In addition to dedicated support for W-7 form instruction, we can also help you determine your expat eligibility for Social Security and other federal benefits. You may be able to request a certified copy of documents at an embassy or consulate. However, services may vary between countries, so we recommend that you contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for specific information. Even though the basic process for obtaining an ITIN is fairly straightforward, IRS forms are notoriously confusing for citizens and foreign nationals alike.