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 processing time for an ITIN, as stated by the IRS, is usually six to eight weeks.
Applicants are permitted to include a prepaid Express Mail or courier envelope for faster return delivery of their documents. The IRS will then return the documents in the envelope provided by the applicant. 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. ITINs do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting. You can file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), with your federal income tax return.
- It is a unique tax processing number issued by the IRS to every U.S. citizen who is, for whatever reason, not eligible for an SSN, which is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- If the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the return’s due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties.
- If you need to renew your ITIN, you’ll follow the same process as applying for a new ITIN.
- Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS.
- However, please note your ITIN is only valid for claiming tax benefits.
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. Form W-7(SP), Solicitud de Número de Identificación Personal del Contribuyente del Servicio de Impuestos Internos is available for use by Spanish speakers. 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.
Why should I renew my ITIN?
The United States is a diverse country where people of various nationalities co-exist in different circumstances. But if you’re going to file taxes without an SSN, you must have an ITIN. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the ITIN in great detail and how you can get one for yourself.
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
- If you don’t use your ITIN for three consecutive years, it will expire.
- It is not used or recognized by any other federal or state government agency.
- An ITIN is issued to citizens who do not have an SSN so they can pay their taxes under national tax laws since an identification number is necessary for filing taxes.
- Each of these groups has specific requirements to qualify.
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. 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.
How to Apply for an ITIN Number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. A certified copy is one that the original issuing agency provides, and certifies as an exact copy of the original, and contains an official stamped seal from the agency. Certifying Acceptance Agents and many Taxpayer Assistance Centers, discussed below, may also certify certain documents. If you attached Form W-7 to your tax return before filing, the ITIN application is processed and an ITIN is assigned before the tax return is processed. I would assume the ITIN section’s notices to taxpayers advising them of their ITIN are delayed due to the virus. However, please note your ITIN is only valid for claiming tax benefits.
How to Apply for an ITIN?
Despite that, these working people are not eligible to receive Social Security benefits despite having paid into the system just as their naturalized or native-born tax-paying counterparts have. 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. Once the ITIN is assigned, they will forward your return for processing and send you a letter with the ITIN. The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) keeps track of certain taxpayers in the United States. It is like the student numbers issued by colleges to identify their students. Section 203 of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, enacted on December 18, 2015, included provisions that affect the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) application process.
Receive Your Tax Refund
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. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.
Banks, postal services, and private companies accept an ITIN card as your ID card if you cannot produce other documents. An ITIN is issued to citizens who do not have an SSN so they can pay their taxes under national tax laws since an identification number is necessary for filing taxes. While an ITIN does not provide unrelated business income tax requirements you with the same benefits as a Social Security number, all individuals working in the U.S. should use it when filing taxes. Additionally, an ITIN number can grant you and your business various legal and financial benefits. Having an ITIN will make many aspects of financial life easier for new immigrants to the U.S.
When filing for an ITIN, it is advised to receive help from an experienced attorney. While the ITIN application or renewal process can be done with any of our tax pros, using a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) makes the process a bit easier. With this service, offered at certain participating offices, the CAA will verify your supporting documents90Go to disclaimer for more details. And, because they’re verified on-site, your original documents may not need to be mailed to the IRS. Our CAA will submit copies of these documents, along with your ITIN application or renewal, to the IRS for you. Ask your tax professional if a CAA is available at your H&R Block location.
You also must submit evidence of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. 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. You can apply for an ITIN without filing a tax return if you meet the criteria for one of the exemptions.
These documents will not be accepted for ITIN applications. Dependents of U.S. military personnel can submit original documents, certified copies or notarized copies of identification documents. You will usually file an ITIN application, Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, with your first tax return, which you must file as a paper return, not electronically.