The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity. If you do not want to apply for a PTIN online, use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application. The time it takes to get an ITIN varies depending on the method of application. Generally, it takes four to six weeks, and up to 11 weeks if there is a backlog, to get an ITIN if you apply by mail.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and providing the necessary documentation, you can obtain an ITIN and fulfill your tax obligations in the United States. Later on, showing how responsible you were in filing and paying your taxes with your ITIN can help as supporting evidence of Good Moral Character for the citizenship application. 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. 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.
- An ITIN is an essential step for immigrants who have a tax filing requirement but are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
- The ITIN is used solely for tax purposes, and it is not intended to serve any other purpose.
- A current passport would meet all these requirements and is the only document you can submit on its own.
- We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.
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. Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
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). The Form 2441 must be attached to Form W-7 along with the U.S. federal tax return. First, it allows you to fulfill your tax obligations and avoid penalties for failing to file a tax return. Second, it enables you to claim certain tax credits and deductions that can reduce your tax liability. Finally, having an ITIN can make it easier to open a bank account, apply for credit, and conduct other financial transactions that require a tax identification number. If a person obtains an ITIN but does not include it on a federal tax return for three consecutive years, it will expire and will need to be revalidated.
21.263, IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Real-Time System (RTS)
The staff can help you complete an application and will submit it for processing. Applicants who meet one of the exceptions to the requirement to file a tax return (see the Instructions for Form W-7) must provide documentation to support the exception. 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.
Is the ITIN a way for the government to track undocumented immigrants?
Such parents would claim dependent children on tax returns but must also identify their children using federal identification numbers. 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. All the exceptions are listed in the ITIN application instructions. An ITIN is an essential step accrued vs deferred revenue for immigrants who have a tax filing requirement but are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
When should I apply?
A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS. In this guide, we will go through the steps to obtain an ITIN, the required documents, and how it can benefit you. As an independent organization within the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service helps taxpayers resolve problems and recommends changes that will prevent problems. The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
ITIN holders can access their online account
If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you. The application — Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — asks details about why you need an ITIN and requires you to send in certain documents to prove your foreign status and identity. You will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card PDF.
Refer to Employer ID Numbers for more information.The following form is available only to employers located in Puerto Rico, Solicitud de Número de Identificación Patronal (EIN) SS-4PR PDF. You will only file a tax return to the address above once, when you file Form W-7 to get an ITIN. In subsequent years, when you have an ITIN, you will file your tax return as directed in the form instructions. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.