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• Original documents will be returned to the address on record after processing your application.
• But if you’re a non-citizen, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) still expects you to report taxes every year — for which you’ll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• If your application is completed correctly, and you qualify for an ITIN, you’ll usually receive a letter from the IRS assigning your ITIN number within 7 weeks.

ITIN stands for the words, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This number is designed for use, primarily by non-resident aliens to file the taxes for their business. You cannot use an ITIN to obtain work as a non-resident in the US.

Q1: When can I renew my ITIN?

After you apply for an ITIN and qualify for an ITIN, you could receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number in as early as seven weeks. However, the speed in which it takes to get an ITIN depends on the volume of inquiries the IRS receives — it can take nine to eleven weeks during busy times. 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.

• Those submitting ITIN applications need to demonstrate a federal tax reporting or filing requirement when submitting their W-7.
• The key difference is your SSN can be used for other things your ITIN can only be used for filing and reporting taxes.
• If you’d rather not visit a CAA or TAC in person, you can simply download, print, and then mail a completed W-7 form.
• If you have an application for an SSN pending, do not file Form W-7.
• To prevent delays, make sure you’ve provided the correct information and sent all the required supporting documentation.

A foreign entity that completes Form SS-4 in the manner described above should be entered into IRS records as not having a filing requirement for any U.S. tax returns. Failure to respond to the IRS letter may result in a procedural assessment of tax by the IRS against the foreign entity. If the foreign entity later becomes liable to file a U.S. tax return, the foreign entity should not apply for a new EIN, but should instead use the EIN it was first issued on all U.S. tax returns filed thereafter. You may have an ITIN number that may expire before your tax return is processed.

ITIN vs. SSN: what’s the difference?

After all, the IRS has no control over the mailing system and many things can go wrong, unfortunately. All documents you send in with your application will be returned to you within 60 days of receiving and processing your Form W-7. A taxpayer can file a W-7 with an extension form (instead of with 1040 which, for whatever reason, cannot be completed in time). Thus, the taxpayer should send the W-7 and the extension form together before April 15 and then send the 1040 form later. 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).

Q14: Will the IRS accept an older version of the W-7 that has Renew an Existing ITIN written on it?

It serves no other purposes and does not offer a person the same benefits an SSN does. If a W-7 is rejected, the taxpayer should carefully read to understand why the ITIN application was rejected. The taxpayer should then inquire about how to get an ITIN number and make sure the documents are correct, send IRS any information they requested, and provide it in the form requested.

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According to the IRS, certain errors can hold up ITIN processing. Most errors involve missing details or a lack of supporting paperwork. Have your form checked before submitting it by a competent business attorney.

With tax professionals and Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) nationwide, our offices are well-equipped to guide you through the ITIN application or ITIN renewal process. If you’re working and earning money in the United what is financial ratio analysis States, but you don’t have and don’t qualify for a Social Security Number, you’ll need an ITIN. You can apply for an ITIN tax ID for you, your spouse, and your dependents when you prepare your tax return with us.

A non-citizen who has to file a federal tax return or a tax reporting document and does not qualify for an SSN should prepare an ITIN number application to get the ITIN number. A certified document is one that the original issuing agency provides and certifies as an exact copy of the original document and contains an official stamped seal from the Agency. A notarized document is one that the taxpayer provides to a public notary who bears witness to the signing of the official document and affixes a seal assuring that the document is legitimate. Dependents of U.S. military personnel can submit original documents, certified copies or notarized copies of identification documents.

For How Long is an ITIN Valid?

They review the applicant’s documentation and forward the completed Form W-7 to IRS for processing. To apply for an ITIN, you will need to mail a W-7 form to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), along with documents that prove you are from another country. You can make the process go quicker if you contact my legal office. You only need to apply for an ITIN if your spouse is required to have one. Otherwise, you can file taxes as married filing separately or married filing jointly and mark NRA (non-resident alien) on your return.

ITIN is used to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws, and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for SSN. ITIN is 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. ITINs do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting. IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws, and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for Social Security numbers. 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. Individuals must have a filing requirement and file a valid federal income tax return to receive an ITIN unless they meet an exception.