The Facts About the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN

We strongly suggest that you get certified copies of all your documents instead of sending originals. We also suggest you send the application and documents by certified mail so you’ll have evidence of when you filed the application and where you sent it. 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.

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. You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status. If you already have an ITIN but fail to submit a U.S. tax return definition and example of step and fixed costs in any given calendar year, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may expire.

These numbers only exist for federal tax reporting purposes. 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). The advantage to using CAAs is that for primary and secondary applicants (like a spouse), the CAA can certify that your documents are original and make copies to send to the IRS. That way, you won’t have to mail your originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.

ITINs do NOT provide legal status or work authorization.

The IRS clarifies that you need either an ITIN or an SSN to get the Child Tax Credit. Of course, you’ll only receive that credit if meet the other reporting requirements for it. A Social Security number is only issued for citizens and qualifying resident aliens, such as green card holders. This number keeps track of the years you’ve worked in the U.S. and your lifetime earnings. Once you apply for an ITIN, you can expect to hear from the IRS about the status of your application within seven weeks. Anyone who earns income from the U.S. is required to get a tax ID number, since they’re obligated to pay taxes on what they earn.

New York state residents: Excluded workers fund payments

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. 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.

1. To learn about our professional expat tax preparation services, schedule a free consultation with us today.
2. This number keeps track of the years you’ve worked in the U.S. and your lifetime earnings.
3. Certain offices can verify passports and national identification cards and return them immediately.
4. If this happens, you’ll need to resubmit all your materials – along with your most recently completed U.S. federal tax return.
5. To prevent delays, make sure you’ve provided the correct information and sent all the required supporting documentation.

Q18: What should I do if I submitted my ITIN renewal request before the end of 2021 and did not receive my ITIN?

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. Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent. This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents. 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.

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.

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. Acceptance Agents (AAs) and Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAAs) can help you complete applications. See IRS.gov – ITIN Updated Procedures Frequently Asked Questions. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it. USA.gov is the new centralized place for finding government benefits for health care, housing, food, unemployment, and more.