This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required for U.S. federal tax purposes to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have and are not eligible to get a Social Security number (SSN). An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is the U.S. tax collection agency.
Unlike other forms of ID, ITINs only have one purpose—tax filing and reporting. Having an ITIN number won’t make you eligible for benefits, such as Social Security or earned income credits that provide refunds to some low-income filers. You can file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), with your federal income tax return.
If your application your application was rejected
Sarah is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS and a former staff writer at Keeper. In 2022, she was named one of CPA Practice Advisor’s 20 Under 40 Top Influencers in the field of accounting. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, Money Under 30, Best Life, GOBankingRates, and Shopify. Sarah has spent nearly a decade in public accounting and has extensive experience offering strategic tax planning at the state and federal level. In her spare time, she is a devoted cat mom and enjoys hiking, painting, and overwatering her houseplants. If none of the in-person options work for you, you can still submit your application by mail.
- The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
- And if you want to file your own taxes, you can still feel confident you’ll do them right with TurboTax as we guide you step by step.
- If neither option supplies an answer, you might have to resubmit your application and tax return.
- See how much you can save when a TurboTax expert does your taxes, start to finish.
Credits & Deductions
All the exceptions are listed in the ITIN application instructions. All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement. For people who want to be granted US citizenship or permanent legal residence, filing a tax return is an important first step in demonstrating your “moral character” to the government. And acquiring an ITIN allows anyone — including nonresidents and undocumented immigrants — to file and pay their taxes.
Step #2: Gather your documents!
If you do not want to apply for a PTIN online, use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application. You will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card PDF. You also must submit evidence of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.
Be sure to enter your date of birth in the order listed on the form — month first, followed by date, and then year at the end. Choose whether you’re applying or renewingIn the very first section, you’ll be prompted to mark whether you’re renewing an ITIN you already have or applying for a new one. The same rule of thumb goes for your dependents and your spouse. If you aren’t claiming them on your tax return, there’s no reason for them to get an ITIN number. Anyone who needs to pay taxes but doesn’t fit into the Social Security box should get an ITIN. Allow 15 business days for ISS processing.ISS will prepare ITIN support letters for you and have the original available to pick up once it is ready.
Beginning January 1, 2011, if you are a paid tax preparer you must use a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on returns you prepare. If you do not have a PTIN, you must get one by using the new IRS sign-up system. Even if you have a PTIN but you received it prior to September 28, 2010, you must apply for a new or renewed PTIN by using the new system. If all your authentication information matches, you may be what are accrued expenses issued the same number. You must have a PTIN if you, for compensation, prepare all or substantially all of any federal tax return or claim for refund. Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.