Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Internal Revenue Service

For more information see Allowable Tax Benefits in the Instructions for Form W-7 PDF. To learn about our professional expat tax preparation services, schedule a free consultation with us today. IRS.gov has a wealth of useful information about the process for non-residents. They also have special resources for fully loaded cost international students, military members, and others. Acceptance Agents (AAs) and Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAAs) can help you complete applications.

The advantage to using CAAs is that for primary and secondary applicants (like a spouse), the CAA can certify that your documents are original and make copies to send to the IRS. That way, you won’t have to mail your originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. You can apply for an ITIN by bringing your completed forms (Including the completed Form W-7) and documentation to any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center office. The staff can help you complete an application and will submit it for processing. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, learn how to get and use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a federal tax return. Anyone who needs to file a U.S. tax return can get an ITIN, regardless of their U.S. immigration status.

1. ITIN holders are no different from SSN holders when it comes to getting a tax refund.
2. A list of these in-person Document Review Taxpayer Assistance Centers is available on IRS.gov.
3. We also suggest you send the application and documents by certified mail so you’ll have evidence of when you filed the application and where you sent it.
4. That way, you won’t have to mail your originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
5. Like Social Security numbers, the ITIN is also nine digits long.

How to file your federal tax return using an ITIN

When you open a checking account or a savings account, you’ll need to verify your identity. You can do this with an SSN or an ITIN, but some banks will also accept other forms of ID. These might include a passport number or other government-issued ID number. key steps for auditing the legal department 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.

Original documents will be returned to the address on record after processing your application. The IRS is currently processing Form W-7s within 11 weeks after receipt. We are taking every action to minimize delays, and we are processing requests in the order they were received. If you will need your original documents for any purpose within this processing timeframe, you may wish to apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or CAA. 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.

Q17: How long will the return be delayed in processing, if it’s filed with an expired ITIN?

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. A current passport would meet all these wholesale accounting requirements and is the only document you can submit on its own. Even though the basic process for obtaining an ITIN is fairly straightforward, IRS forms are notoriously confusing for citizens and foreign nationals alike.

Do I require an ITIN to open a bank account?

Assuming you qualify for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (and you follow the W-7 form instructions correctly), you should receive an ITIN within seven weeks. But due to potential processing delays, it’s advisable that you add some extra wiggle room. This is especially true if you’re mailing your ITIN application to the U.S. from overseas as an expat or non-resident. As the name implies, an ITIN is a dedicated tax ID number that allows individuals to report their earnings, expenses and deductions to the IRS.

This number keeps track of the years you’ve worked in the U.S. and your lifetime earnings. Once you apply for an ITIN, you can expect to hear from the IRS about the status of your application within seven weeks. Anyone who earns income from the U.S. is required to get a tax ID number, since they’re obligated to pay taxes on what they earn. If you have or are eligible to obtain a social security number, you are not eligible for an ITIN. The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax processing number issued by the IRS. The purpose of an ITIN is to ensure those who work in the U.S. have a method of paying taxes, even if they don’t qualify for a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court.