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 to the IRS. An SSN is not required to apply for an ITIN; in fact, the ITIN was created so those without an SSN could file their taxes each year.
- A current passport would meet all these requirements and is the only document you can submit on its own.
- If none of the in-person options work for you, you can still submit your application by mail.
- Once you receive your ITIN, the IRS requires you to revalidate it every five years.
- Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Lastly, you should include all the documents asked for in Form W-7 or as instructed by IRS officials. Some of the items to include are your passport, National ID card, Foreign voter ID card, driver’s license, U.S. All documents should show your photo, name, address, expiration date, and DOB, and should be valid at the time of submission. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. It is also used by estates and trusts which have income which is required to be reported on Form 1041, U.S. Refer to Employer ID Numbers for more information.The following form is available only to employers located in Puerto Rico, Solicitud de Número de Identificación Patronal (EIN) SS-4PRPDF.
Receive Your Tax Refund
It is also possible to apply for a new ITIN in person at an IRS-authorised Certifying Acceptance agent. If you use this method, you still need to have and show your original supporting documents. The agent will make copies of them and certify them for your application. The IRS requires you to mail in your original documents to complete this process.
If an ITIN is not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three consecutive years, it will expire. Additionally, ITINs that have the middle digits of 78 or 79 will expire at the end of 2021. It’s important to renew the ITIN in a timely manner to avoid any delays or complications when filing taxes or carrying out other tax-related transactions. If you’re applying in person instead of mailing your application to an IRS office, you can use IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents, also known as CAAs. This can be an individual, business entity, or organization authorized by the IRS to help someone get an ITIN and other application procedures.
Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Upwardli credit builder products are provided by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. Below are some questions that people often ask about how to renew an ITIN if it has expired.
Preparer Tax Identification Number
Certain offices can verify passports and national identification cards and return them immediately. A list of these in-person Document Review Taxpayer Assistance Centers is available on IRS.gov. This allows you to avoid mailing your original documents, or certified copies, to the IRS.
An ITIN may be assigned to an alien dependent from Canada or Mexico if that dependent qualifies a taxpayer for a child or dependent care credit (claimed on Form 2441). The Form 2441 must be attached to Form W-7 along with the U.S. federal tax return. If you qualify for an exception, then file Form W-7 with your proof of identity and foreign status documents and supporting documentation for the exception.
ITIN Documentation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you need to renew your ITIN, you’ll follow the same process as applying for a new ITIN. However, if you mail in your renewal application, you can simply send along a form W-7 with supporting documents—no need to attach a tax return. It serves no other purpose aside from federal tax reporting. This means that anyone who is required to file taxes in the U.S. will be eligible for an ITIN, no matter their immigration status. Known as The Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, this is the official form required to be filled out by anyone seeking an ITIN. You can find it on the IRS website, or click here to download.
They are present throughout the country and may charge a nominal fee for their service. If you’re filing through a CAA, you’re required to submit additional copies, which the CAA agent will help you with. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual.
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.
Acceptance Agents are entities (colleges, financial institutions, accounting firms, etc.) who are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs. They review the applicant’s documentation and forward the completed Form W-7 to IRS for processing. If you’re working and earning money in the United States, but you don’t have and don’t qualify for a Social Security Number, you’ll need an ITIN. You can apply for an ITIN tax ID for you, your spouse, and your dependents when you prepare your tax return with us.
H4 visa holders, for example, have to file tax returns but cannot get an SSN, which is issued only to U.S. citizens. They don’t entitle the taxpayer to Social Security benefits, stimulus payments, or other benefits. If you’re required to file a tax return and aren’t eligible for a Social Security number, you need to apply for an ITIN (See the What should I do? section, above).
It is not used or recognized by any other federal or state government agency. Your ITIN serves no purpose other than federal tax reporting. You should apply for an ITIN if https://quickbooks-payroll.org/ you are required to file or report your tax return but you don’t have a social security number. Take a look here to understand the difference between an ITIN and an SSN.
However, some people are required to file a tax return in the U.S. but do not have a social security number. However, please note your ITIN is only valid for claiming tax benefits. It cannot be used to claim social security or botkeeper a brex accounting partner other benefits that are not related to federal income tax. It’s also important to note that an ITIN does not authorize work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits, its only purpose is for tax purposes.
As an independent organization within the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service helps taxpayers resolve problems and recommends changes that will prevent problems. IRS.gov has a wealth of useful information about the process for non-residents. They also have special resources for international students, military members, and others. Once you apply for an ITIN, you can expect to hear from the IRS about the status of your application within seven weeks.