You can mail the W-7 and documentation to the address in the Form W-7 Instructions. 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. Many applicants have reported that IRS lost their passports or other valuable and hard-to-replace identification documents. Consider getting certified copies or using one of the application methods listed below, rather than mailing original identification documents to the IRS. The IRS requires “original documentation or certified copies” of your personal documents with the ITIN application.
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. Acceptance Agents are entities (colleges, financial institutions, accounting firms, etc.) who are authorized the direct write off method and its example 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.
Interview with Certified Acceptance Agent (If Applicable)
Please talk with one of our advisors if you’re timing differences not sure how to get certified copies. If none of the in-person options work for you, you can still submit your application by mail. We strongly suggest that you get certified copies of all your documents instead of sending originals.
Navigating the IRS: A Guide to Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)
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. The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity. A current passport would meet all these requirements and is the only document you can submit on its own.
Individual taxpayer identification number
- You will only file a tax return to the address above once, when you file Form W-7 to get an ITIN.
- Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
- Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS.
- See IRS.gov – ITIN Updated Procedures Frequently Asked Questions.
- You will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card PDF.
For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose provision definition in the cambridge english dictionary income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS.
Like an SSN, your ITIN is issued by the IRS for tax-reporting purposes only. You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year when you have a filing or reporting requirement. At a minimum, you should complete Form W-7 when you are ready to file your federal income tax return by the return’s prescribed due date. 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.
The Benefits of ITIN for Non-U.S. Residents
If all your authentication information matches, you may be issued the same number. You must have a PTIN if you, for compensation, prepare all or substantially all of any federal tax return or claim for refund. If you don’t owe money on your federal or state tax returns, we recommend waiting until you’re eligible for an SSN to file your tax returns. A Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is an individual or entity authorized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to assist applicants with their ITIN applications. CAAs are trained and certified to review applicants’ documents, complete Form W-7, and forward the application to the IRS for processing. They play a vital role in simplifying the ITIN application process and ensuring that all documentation is in order.