CAAs can authenticate all the identification documents for the primary and secondary applicant. For dependents, they can authenticate the passport and civil birth certificate; however, they must send the original or certified copies of all other documents directly to the IRS. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual. Form W-7(SP), Solicitud de Número de Identificación Personal del Contribuyente del Servicio de Impuestos Internos is available for use by Spanish speakers.
Is the ITIN a way for the government to track undocumented immigrants?
- And acquiring an ITIN allows anyone — including nonresidents and undocumented immigrants — to file and pay their taxes.
- It serves no other purpose aside from federal tax reporting.
- In lieu of sending original documentation, you may use an IRS authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) or make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) location.
- While Keeper doesn’t currently support W-7 filings, our tax filing service is quick and easy.
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.
How to file your federal tax return using an ITIN
For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. Taxpayers with an ITIN can complete the registration process to access their IRS online account, which provides balance due, payment history, payment plans, tax records, and more. 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.
Where to apply?
Once the package is assembled, attach the Form W-7 to the front of your first-ever US federal income tax return, along with the supporting documents. Be sure to take a selfie for sentimental purposes (optional step). You can leave all the tax ID numbers on your 1040 tax return blank.
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. If questions 11 through 17 on Form SS-4 do not apply to the applicant because he has no U.S. tax return filing requirement, such questions should be annotated “N/A”. 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.
Q15: Can I submit copies of my identification documents with my Form W-7?
Note, however, that having an ITIN doesn’t necessarily qualify one to work or reside in the United States. These numbers only exist for federal tax reporting purposes. If you qualify for an exception, then file Form W-7 with your proof illinois tax calculator 2022-2023 of identity and foreign status documents and supporting documentation for the exception. In lieu of sending original documentation, you may use an IRS authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) or make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) location. To find a local CAA in your area, you can visit Acceptance Agent Program.
Anyone who needs to file a U.S. tax return can get an ITIN, regardless of their U.S. immigration status. That includes both resident and non-resident immigrants. To prevent delays, make sure you’ve provided the correct information and sent all the required supporting documentation. Incomplete or incorrect applications may take longer to process.
A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS. 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.