ITIN Application Assistance

“ITIN” stands for “Individual Tax Identification Number,” and is a United States tax processing number issued by the IRS. The 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 (SSNs). ITINs are for Federal Tax reporting ONLY.

An ITIN does not authorize work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The IRS issues ITINs 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) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). ITINs 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.

Use the latest revision of Form W-7 to apply and attach a valid federal income tax return, unless you qualify for an exception. Include your original proof of identity or certified copies by the issuing agency and foreign status documents. There are 13 acceptable documents approved by the IRS to use as proof of identity, see the list here.

You should apply for an ITIN as soon as you’re ready to file your federal income tax return, since you need to attach the tax return to your application. You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year. If the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the tax return’s due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties. You should file your current year tax return by the prescribed due date to avoid this.

After you have qualified for an ITIN and your application is complete, you will receive a letter from the IRS assigning you to your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The approximate processing time to receive the ITIN is 7 to 11 weeks.

You should apply for an ITIN as soon as you’re ready to file your federal income tax return, since you need to attach the tax return to your application. You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year. If the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the tax return’s due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties. You should file your current year tax return by the prescribed due date to avoid this.

There are three ways to get an ITIN:

1. 1. 1. 1. File form W-7 with the IRS
         2. Go to your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center
         3. Go to an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent

Options two and three will be the quickest to obtain an ITIN. What documents are needed for an ITIN?

1. 1. The following are acceptable documents for getting an ITIN.
      1. Passport (stand-alone document) *
      2. National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)
      3. U.S. driver’s license.
      4. Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 years of age)
      5. Foreign driver’s license.

U.S. residents and non-resident aliens can complete all requisite ITIN paperwork online. In addition, ITIN applications are accepted by mail year-round.

U.S. residents and non-resident aliens can complete all requisite ITIN paperwork online. In addition, ITIN applications are accepted by mail year-round.