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. If you qualify for an exception, then file Form W-7 with your proof of identity and foreign status documents and supporting documentation for the exception. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security number (SSN) but still need to file a U.S. tax return. It allows you to report your income earned in the US and claim any applicable tax benefits. Please note that only owners of a US LLC or US C-Corp are eligible to apply for an ITIN.

This is especially true if you’re mailing your ITIN application to the U.S. from overseas as an expat or non-resident. 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. A certified copy is one that the original issuing agency provides, and certifies as an exact copy of the original, and contains an official stamped seal from the agency.

Whether you’re preparing your first tax return or seeking answers to complicated questions, Sprintax is here to support you every step of the way. If you are an international student and you are filing an ITIN application in advance of your tax return, you will need to complete and sign a Form W-7. 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. 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. If you must send original documents, you can send the IRS a prepaid express envelope with your application to have them returned faster.

This package includes:

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. 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. Applicants can also submit their W-7 by scheduling an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center while in the United States, or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent either in the United States or abroad. what are standard tax deductions An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a crucial tool for non-resident aliens who need to file U.S. tax returns.

1. To learn about our professional expat tax preparation services, schedule a free consultation with us today.
2. We strongly suggest that you get certified copies of all your documents instead of sending originals.
3. The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity.
4. This allows you to avoid mailing your original documents, or certified copies, to the IRS.
5. If you must send original documents, you can send the IRS a prepaid express envelope with your application to have them returned faster.

Did you know there is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

Certifying Acceptance Agents and many Taxpayer Assistance Centers, discussed below, may also certify certain documents. When applying for an ITIN in advance of your tax return, you will need to provide certain documents as proof of your identity. When you are filing an accrual vs deferral ITIN application alongside a tax return, the responsible officer at your school cannot certify the documents you are providing. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. 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.

Obtaining an ITIN from abroad

This guide explores everything you need to know about ITINs, including their purpose, benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process. Obtaining an ITIN is essential for non-resident taxpayers filing U.S. tax returns. 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. how much will it cost to hire an accountant to do my taxes If you already have an ITIN but fail to submit a U.S. tax return in any given calendar year, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may expire.

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. Assuming you qualify for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (and you follow the W-7 form instructions correctly), you should receive an ITIN within seven weeks. But due to potential processing delays, it’s advisable that you add some extra wiggle room.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you. Even though the basic process for obtaining an ITIN is fairly straightforward, IRS forms are notoriously confusing for citizens and foreign nationals alike. Moreover, the steps for obtaining an ITIN become slightly more complex when reporting U.S. taxes while living abroad. Sprintax is the go-to resource for international students, scholars, and nonresidents navigating the complexities of US tax filing. We are committed to empowering our readers with the knowledge they need to understand their tax obligations and maximize their refunds.

A current passport would meet all these requirements and is the only document you can submit on its own. At Expat CPA, we specialize in helping non-residents, US citizens and expats remain compliant with the latest IRS tax codes. In addition to dedicated support for W-7 form instruction, we can also help you determine your expat eligibility for Social Security and other federal benefits. Your school will typically have an officer who is responsible for certifying copies of your documents (such as passport, visa, i-20/DS-2019).