Dependents of U.S. military personnel can submit original documents, certified copies or notarized copies of identification documents. 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.
Where to apply?
- You may be able to request a certified copy of documents at an embassy or consulate.
- This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents.
- To find a local CAA in your area, you can visit Acceptance Agent Program.
- Moreover, the steps for obtaining an ITIN become slightly more complex when reporting U.S. taxes while living abroad.
- You will only file a tax return to the address above once, when you file Form W-7 to get an ITIN.
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. You will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within seven weeks if you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete. 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.
Q16: If I do not want to mail my original documents to the IRS when renewing my ITIN, do I have other options?
The ITIN is used for tax purposes and is required for certain tax-related transactions. However, ITINs are assigned for a specific period and need to be renewed periodically to maintain their validity. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. 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. As the name implies, an ITIN is a dedicated tax ID number that allows individuals to report their earnings, expenses and deductions to the IRS. These unique numbers are reserved for U.S. taxpayers who are unable to obtain a traditional Social Security number.
Will the IRS return my original documents to me? How long will it take to get them back? (updated December
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. This is especially true if you’re mailing your ITIN application to the U.S. from overseas as an expat or non-resident. All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement.
Note, however, that having an ITIN doesn’t necessarily qualify one to work or reside in the United States. 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. To apply for an ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
An ITIN may be assigned to an alien dependent from Canada or Mexico if that dependent qualifies a taxpayer for a child or dependent care credit (claimed on Form 2441). The Form 2441 must be attached to Form W-7 along with the U.S. federal tax return. If an ITIN is not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three consecutive years, it will expire. Additionally, ITINs that have the middle digits of 78 or 79 will expire at the end of 2021. It’s important to renew the ITIN in a timely manner to avoid any delays or complications when filing taxes or carrying out other tax-related transactions.
Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual. They don’t entitle the taxpayer to Social Security benefits, stimulus payments, or other benefits. ITIN holders must verify their identity through the video chat process and will need a valid email address, proof of ITIN, one primary document and one secondary document. It’s important to note that if you are already in the United States, you may be able to apply for an ITIN at certain designated acceptance agent locations. Additionally, some third-party companies are authorized to assist with ITIN renewal, you can find more information on the IRS website.
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 capitalized cost Certifying Acceptance Agent either in the United States or abroad. According to the IRS, it can take up to 11 weeks for an ITIN application to be processed if you submit it by mail. If you submit your application through an authorized acceptance agent, the processing time may be shorter. The IRS also indicates that if you submit your application during their peak processing periods, which are typically from January to April and from July to October, the processing time may be longer.