Complete all fields as appropriate and enter the eight-digit office code that was issued to you by the ITIN Program Office. Enter “N/A” (not applicable) on all sections of each line that don’t apply to you. The private delivery service can tell you how to get written proof of the mailing date. If you submit a Form W-7, all future ITIN notices and correspondence that you receive will be in English.

• Your ITIN will expire (and the number deactivate) if you have not used it at least once in the last three years.
• An ITIN is not an actual social security number, but it does the job of one.
• For those who wish to apply for ITIN online, there is a service that provides a package that includes all the documents necessary to apply for ITIN.
• First, we help eliminate confusion and simplify the ITIN application process by providing step-by-step walkthroughs and instructions for completing the IRS’ Form W-7.
• If you received your SSN after previously using an ITIN, stop using your ITIN.
• An ITIN is a tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).

As IRS Certifying Acceptance Agents, we’re trained and authorized by the IRS to assist foreign individuals who don’t qualify for a Social Security Number get their ITIN quickly. The only time the IRS would share information with other government organizations is from a specific, hands-on process. The IRS would have to be ordered to share information by a federal court judge in a specific, non-tax criminal investigation case.

How do I fill out the Form W-7?

If you don’t have a passport, there are alternative forms of identification that can be used. Your tax preparer will list them as a secondary applicant on the schedule or form related to the allowable tax benefit. Expect to include their own Form W-7 with a federal tax return. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues ITINs to individuals who do not have SSNs or who cannot get one because of their foreign status. The IRS also issues ITINs to certain nonresident aliens who qualify as U.S. residents under the law. An ITIN application requires specific documentation that proves your identity and foreign status.

• If you apply for an ITIN under this category, remember to attach a copy of your visa to your Form W-7 and include a date of entry into the United States on line 6d.
• IRS issues ITIN to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
• If you live outside the United States, you can get your documents certified by visiting a Certified Acceptance Agent in your country or while traveling in the U.S.
• You follow the same steps as a United States citizen would take when filling out the credit card application, either online or over the phone.

If you do not have a PTIN, you must get one by using the new IRS sign-up system. Even if you have a PTIN but you received it prior to September 28, 2010, you must apply for a new or renewed PTIN by using the new system. If all your authentication information matches, you may be issued the same number.

For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. 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. Getting ITIN Number online is a convenient way to get your tax return filed. Having an ITIN will also let you take advantage of tax benefits. It may allow you to claim tax deductions and contributions to retirement savings accounts. It will also allow you to get business identification cards.

Identify the exception by its number, alpha subsection, and category under which you’re applying (for example, enter “Exception 1d-Pension Income” or “Exception 2d-Gambling Winnings”). Also, enter the name of the treaty country and treaty article number in the appropriate entry spaces below box h and attach the documents required under whichever exception applies. To get an ITIN, or individual taxpayer identification number, first complete IRS Form W7. This document must be printed and submitted to the IRS along with your income tax return. You also need to provide certified copies of approved documents that establish your identity and foreign status. Once you receive the ITIN, the IRS will use it to identify you when you file taxes for income earned in the United States.

What Does ITIN Stand For

In light of recent security breaches, many people are fearful of offering personal data and documentation to someone they don’t know, especially through the mail. 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. Many applicants have reported the 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.

How to Get ITIN Number for Non Resident

It is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. There are several reasons why you might want to get your own ITIN number. If you have lost your EIN and cannot find a confirmation letter, you can apply asking for donations for a new one online or by mail. But be prepared to wait for four weeks or more to receive a response. The most important factor in getting your ITIN as quickly as possible is ensuring the accuracy of your W7 form.

Find the Best Credit Cards for 2023

After you receive your ITIN number, you can then start planning your future by establishing some credit. Please refer to the section above which outlines a general process for filling out a credit card application with an ITIN. Individual card companies will have slightly different processes, but the general structure of applying is similar enough. Thankfully, being an immigrant has no effect on whether or not you can apply for a credit card using an ITIN. You follow the same steps as a United States citizen would take when filling out the credit card application, either online or over the phone. The processing time for an ITIN application varies depending on the time of year and the volume of applications the IRS receives.

You’ll need to provide a certified copy of your passport, which proves your identity and your foreign status, or submit two certified documents that provide the necessary proof. If you live outside the United States, you can get your documents certified by visiting a Certified Acceptance Agent in your country or while traveling in the U.S. The reason why someone would opt for an ITIN number instead of a social security number is usually due to their citizenship status. Individuals who need to file a tax return in the United States typically need an TIN number.

Enter your name (including a former name if applicable), address in the U.S., as well as your foreign, non-U.S. You’ll also enter your birth date and birth place, as well as any visa types and foreign tax ID numbers. ITINs are actually most common for people who work in the U.S. but live outside in another country. Also, an ITIN is required by employers to pay taxes on behalf of employees, the same way they’d use an employee’s social security number.

Normally, an ITIN application is accompanied by a federal income tax return form. The IRS won’t use the address you enter to update its records for other purposes unless you include a U.S. federal tax return with your Form W-7. However, the credit for other dependents (ODC) for your child and other qualifying relatives (excluding your spouse) who live in the United States may be available.

When Can a Taxpayer File For an ITIN?

SNL is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice or recommendations. Communications with SNL are not protected by attorney-client privilege in any way. Any individual who needs legal assistance must contact an attorney or law firm licensed in his or her jurisdiction.

If Form W-7 is submitted to claim the PTC, then an attached tax return that lists the applicant and Form 8962 are required. Taxpayers residing outside of the United States can apply for an ITIN through a certifying acceptance agent. A passport that doesn’t have a date of entry into the United States won’t be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for certain dependents. See Proof of U.S. residency for applicants who are dependents under Supporting Documentation Requirements, later, for more information. You can fill out an application form for an ITIN for you, your spouse, and your dependents when you prepare your tax return with us. Acceptance Agents are entities (colleges, financial institutions, accounting firms, etc.) who are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs.

Box 6d on the W-7 form, “Entry date in the U.S.,” can make some taxpayers who entered the U.S. without documentation a bit hesitant. However, the entry date is needed where the taxpayer is applying for the ITIN as a “resident” for tax purposes. By using the entry date, the IRS can determine if the person passes the Substantial Presence Test for “resident alien” status for tax purposes.