How Do I Apply for an ITIN?
What is an ITIN?
According to the IRS:
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a unique identifier issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax processing purposes. ITINs are issued to individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What is an ITIN used for?
According to the IRS:
The IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with U.S. tax laws and to facilitate streamlined processing and tracking of tax returns and payments for those who are unable to obtain a Social Security number. These numbers are issued regardless of immigration status, as both resident and nonresident aliens may be required to file or report taxes under the Internal Revenue Code. ITINs are for federal tax reporting purposes only and do not serve any other function.
An ITIN does not:
- Authorize individuals to work in the U.S.
- Provide eligibility for Social Security benefits.
- Qualify dependents for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Who needs to have an ITIN?
As a non-U.S. citizen, you must apply for an ITIN if you
- Have a federal tax filing requirement (or need to comply with an information reporting requirement)
- Do not meet the eligibility requirements to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
How do I get an ITIN?
There are several exceptions that permit individuals to apply for an ITIN. You can find the complete list here: IRS Instructions IW-7
To apply for and obtain an ITIN, unless you meet one of the exceptions listed above, you must have
- A U.S. tax filing requirement.
- Be required to file a federal income tax return.
To apply for an ITIN, you must include
- Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (Form W-7)
- U.S. federal income tax return (Consider consulting with a tax professional specializing in U.S. taxes for nonresidents)
- Proof of alien status (See the IRS list of acceptable documents here )
- Proof of identity (See the IRS list of acceptable documents here)
Your passport is the only document that can serve as both proof of alien status and proof of identity.
You can discover the documents that meet both requirements in the “Supporting Documentation Requirements” section provided here.
Because of its ability to simultaneously satisfy both foreign status and identity requirements, the passport is the most popular, convenient, and widely used option.
How do I complete the Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (Form W-7)?
While it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional to avoid mistakes that could result in the rejection of your ITIN application by the IRS, if you prefer to handle the process yourself, you can access instructions and download Form W-7 directly from the IRS:
- Form W-7 instructions: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7
- Download Form W-7: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf
How is the application submitted to the IRS?
Per the Instructions for Form W-7 (please refer to the link for the latest version), the following information is directly sourced from the Instructions:
By Mail:
If you are applying by mail, send Form W-7, along with your tax return (if applicable) or other required documentation as described in the exceptions, and the supporting documents listed above to
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
Do not use the mailing address provided in the tax return instructions for your application.
By private delivery services:
If you are using a private delivery service, send your Form W-7, tax return (if applicable), or other documents required under certain exceptions, along with the supporting documentation listed above, to
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional Hwy 35
Austin, TX 78741-0000
The private delivery service of your choice can provide instructions for obtaining written proof of the mailing date.
In person:
You may apply for your ITIN in person by visiting designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). These centers can review original documents and certified copies from issuing agencies for both primary and secondary applicants, as well as their dependents. For dependents, TACs can verify passports, national identification cards, and birth certificates. Your documents will be returned to you promptly. Service at TACs is by appointment only, which can be made by calling 844-545-5640. For a list of designated TACs that offer ITIN document verification services, visit IRS.gov/W7DocumentVerification. TACs that do not offer this service will forward the original documents, Form W-7, and tax return to the IRS Austin Service Center for processing.
With an acceptance agent:
You have the option to apply through one of two types of acceptance agents authorized by the IRS:
Acceptance Agent (AA):
An Acceptance Agent (AA) can assist you in completing and filing Form W-7. To find a list of agents, visit IRS.gov and search for the “acceptance agent program.” AAs are required to submit original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to the IRS for all applicants.
Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA):
A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) can authenticate original documentation and certified copies from the issuing agency for primary and secondary applicants, as well as their dependents, except for foreign military identification cards. For dependents, CAAs can only authenticate passports and birth certificates. After verifying authenticity, the CAA will promptly return the documentation. Taxpayers residing outside the United States can apply for an ITIN through a CAA.
It is highly recommended that you seek professional assistance rather than attempting to apply on your own.
Again, we strongly recommend that you seek professional assistance, as a qualified accountant can provide valuable assistance not only with your U.S. federal income tax return, but also with your ITIN application.
As mentioned above, any errors on your Form W-7 may cause the IRS to deny your ITIN application. Therefore, we recommend that you work with a professional accountant who is also an IRS Acceptance Agent.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
As explained by the IRS here:
– If you apply between January 1st and April 30th, the processing time is estimated to be 9 to 11 weeks.
– If you apply between May 1st and December 31st, the processing time is estimated to be 7 weeks.
If I don’t get my ITIN by then what do I do?
If you haven’t received your ITIN within the expected timeframe, you can contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your application:
- For individuals within the US: Call 1-800-829-1040.
- For individuals outside the US: Call 1-267-941-1000.
Do I need to renew my ITIN?
For a visual chart provided by the IRS regarding ITIN renewals, please visit the following page:
https://www.irs.gov/media/167246
Can Startxpress help me get my ITIN?
With all the information available, it can be overwhelming. However, one important thing to remember is that any errors on your Form W-7 could result in rejection by the IRS.
Why take the risk of applying for an ITIN on your own?
Instead, contact Startxpress. We can help you navigate the process professionally and relieve you of any stress associated with your ITIN application.
By letting us handle the process, you can focus on what you do best: growing your business!
For more details, check out the Startxpress Help Center and Blog. If you need assistance, contact us at support@startxpress.io! We’re here to help make managing your business as smooth as possible.
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