The application must be attached to a valid federal income tax return unless the individual qualifies for an exception. As previously mentioned, you need to file Form W-7 to apply for your ITIN. You can apply for your ITIN number at the same time you file federal taxes with the IRS. If you choose to do so, you would complete your U.S. tax return and attach your W-7 along with the other documents and send it to the IRS. The Individual Tax Identification Number, or ITIN, allows taxpayers who don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN) to file income tax returns. Unlike other forms of ID, ITINs only have one purpose—tax filing and reporting.

  • Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card’s out there.
  • We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence.
  • Any applicant who meets an exception to the requirement to file a tax return must provide documentation to support the exception (see the instructions for Form W-7).

The IRS requires that you submit original documents along with the W-7 form, so if your means of identification is your passport, that means you could be without it for a prolonged period of time. If you elect to do this, make sure the company is highly reputable. Some tax filing services offer ITIN application assistance for free when you use their paid tax prep services. One of the major differences between a Social Security Number (SSN) and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is that a Social Security Number is assigned to U.S. citizens and authorized non-citizens. In some states, you can use your ITIN to apply for a driver’s license instead of a Social Security Number. It can also be used when opening an interest-bearing bank account or applying for credit cards.

For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. 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. If you’re a US citizen who regularly files taxes, you likely have a Social Security number.

A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws. It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS. A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS.

How to apply for an ITIN

Along with this form, you will need to provide documents proving your foreign alien status and identity. Any applicant who meets an exception to the requirement to file a tax return must provide documentation to support the exception (see the instructions for Form W-7). While the ITIN application or renewal process can be done with any of our tax pros, using a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) makes the process a bit easier.

  • To avoid having to set up an ITIN in person, simply fill out this form to apply for an ITIN online right now.
  • Make sure you have your tax return and identification documents with you to avoid having to come back.
  • Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
  • 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.

The advantage to using Certifying Acceptance Agents (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. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. It is also used by estates and trusts which have income which is required to be reported on Form 1041, U.S. The following form is available only to employers located in Puerto Rico, Solicitud de Número de Identificación Patronal (EIN) SS-4PRPDF.

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) & EIN: Definition & Tax ID Number Help

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. If you must send original documents, you can send the IRS a prepaid express envelope with your application to have them returned faster. We have tax professionals and Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) available to answer your questions and quickly process your renewal for free. Open a bank account or apply for a mortgage loan, if you qualify. If you do not want to apply for a PTIN online, use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application.

An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is a federal tax identification number used to identify a business entity—think of it as a Social Security number for businesses. You must include a name and taxpayer identification number, such as a Social Security number, ITIN or EIN of the principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner, or trustor, on the application. Unless the applicant is a government entity, the responsible lease vs. rent party must be an individual, not an entity. Thompson had the help of others in his scheme—only they didn’t all know it. He then used this personal information without their knowledge to unlawfully obtain EINs, EFINs, and PTINs from the IRS for the purpose of filing fraudulent tax returns. 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.

How Long Does It Take to Renew an ITIN?

Find out about your state taxes—property taxes, tax rates and brackets, common forms, and much more. IRS.gov has a wealth of useful information about the process for non-residents. They also have special resources for international students, military members, and others.

You’ll need to include original or certified copies of documents proving your identity. We also recommend checking on the IRS site for the latest ITIN information. An ITIN works in place of an SNN, and allows foreign nationals, either lawful or unlawful, to comply with US tax laws. Any foreign national living, working, and filing tax returns in the US needs an ITIN. You are eligible for a Social Security Number if you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a non-citizen who has received work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To obtain a Social Security Number, individuals who are 18 years old or older can apply for the SSN in their home country while they apply for an immigrant visa with the United States Department of State.

Tax return requirement

A taxpayer who was experiencing a family emergency and needed to travel out of the country with his… Acceptance Agents (AAs) and Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAAs) can help you complete applications. See IRS.gov – ITIN Updated Procedures Frequently Asked Questions. If you try to file your return with an expired ITIN, your refund could be considerably delayed. Find your H&R Block Tax Office today to ensure you are prepared. For a summary of those rules, please see the new Form W-7 and its instructions.

How do I apply for an ITIN?

You can do this with an SSN or an ITIN, but some banks will also accept other forms of ID. These might include a passport number or other government-issued ID number. They don’t entitle the taxpayer to Social Security benefits, stimulus payments,  or other benefits.

ITIN holders can access their online account

If you need to renew your ITIN, you’ll follow the same process as applying for a new ITIN. However, if you mail in your renewal application, you can simply send along a form W-7 with supporting documents—no need to attach a tax return. The IRS requires anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation to have a PTIN. Tax preparers must put their PTIN numbers on clients’ tax returns. Many applicants have reported the 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.