Get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN to file your tax return

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.

Q14: Will the IRS accept an older version of the W-7 that has Renew an Existing ITIN written on it?

You may be able to request a certified copy of documents at an embassy or consulate. However, services may vary between countries, so we recommend that you contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for specific information. 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.

Can I get a tax refund with an ITIN?

1. If you qualify for an exception, then file Form W-7 with your proof of identity and foreign status documents and supporting documentation for the exception.
2. If your dependent doesn’t live in Canada or Mexico, their passport doesn’t list a date of entry, they’ll need an extra document to prove they actually have residency in the US.
3. However, you won’t get any of that money back in the form of future benefits — unless, of course, you acquire a Social Security number down the road.
4. But just in case, let’s go over a few sections that might apply.
5. Applicants are permitted to include a prepaid Express Mail or courier envelope for faster return delivery of their documents.

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.

Where to apply?

That being said, the price will vary depending on where you live and whether the CAA prepares your tax return as well. Sending important documents makes most people feel uneasy. Things get lost or damaged in the mail all the time, and replacing something like a passport is no small task. An IRSN, or “Internal Revenue Service Number,” is a temporary number the IRS issues when it receives a tax return without the Form W-7 attached. Acceptance Agents are entities (colleges, financial institutions, accounting firms, etc.) who are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs. They review the applicant’s documentation and forward the completed Form W-7 to IRS for processing.

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 issued the same number.

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 what is a bank statement 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.

If you’re a US citizen who regularly files taxes, you likely have a Social Security number. But if you’re a non-citizen, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) still expects you to report taxes every year — for which you’ll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). As long as you qualify for a refund, and you have filed your taxes correctly, then yes. ITIN holders are no different from SSN holders when it comes to getting a tax refund.

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.

Government benefits

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. 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.