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 standard deduction 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.

Please talk with one of our advisors if you’re 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.

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. You may either mail the documentation, along with the Form W-7, to the address shown in the Form W-7 Instructions, present it at IRS walk-in offices, or process your application through an Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS. Form W-7(SP), Solicitud de Número de Identificación Personal del Contribuyente del Servicio de Impuestos Internos is available for use by Spanish speakers. The ITIN application process is a vital journey for individuals who need to fulfill their U.S. tax obligations and engage in financial activities.

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 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.

Individual taxpayer identification number

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 the advantages of a classic savings account original identification documents to the IRS. The IRS requires “original documentation or certified copies” of your personal documents with the ITIN application.

About Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

1. The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
2. By addressing these topics, this guide aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the world of ITINs effectively and ensure they meet their U.S. tax and financial requirements.
3. 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).
4. A list of these in-person Document Review Taxpayer Assistance Centers is available on IRS.gov.
5. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a crucial identifier issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
6. A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS.

For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) charles kurk professional bookkeeping services 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.

The Benefits of ITIN for Non-U.S. Residents

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.

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.