What is an ITIN Number and How to Apply for One

how long does it take to get an class=

When you are ready to file your tax return, first complete Form W-7 as indicated above, then attach your tax return with your application. If you attached Form W-7 to your tax return before filing, the ITIN application is processed and an ITIN is assigned before the tax return is processed. I would assume the ITIN section’s notices to taxpayers advising them of their ITIN are delayed due to the virus. When you file your tax return or need to talk to the IRS, you’ll likely have to provide a tax identification number, which is also called a TIN or tax ID number.

how long does it take to get an class=

It is simply a tax identification number that allows you to file tax returns and receive certain tax benefits. To get an ITIN number, you must complete IRS Form W-7 and submit it with documentation proving your identity and foreign status. In this form, the applicant provides personal information such as name, mailing address, foreign address, birth information, and the reason for applying.

Applying for and using an ITIN.

However, if they qualify for one of the five ITIN “exception” categories, then they do not have to include a tax return with their application. The IRS has strong privacy protections in place to ensure that immigrants who report their income and file their taxes are not at risk of having their information shared. Under Internal Revenue Code section 6103, the IRS is generally prohibited from disclosing taxpayer information, including to other federal agencies.

With the whole COVID situation, we can turn in ITIN applications to the IRS, but their processing is indefinitely delayed. Two out of three people who apply for an ITIN on their own for the first time get rejected. Outside of tax season, doing it on your own (if done correctly), through a tax assistance center, or with a CPA, it takes at least 8 to 9 weeks.

Is it possible to apply for an ITIN number as an illegal resident?

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. The only identification document that is sufficient by itself is a passport because it is accepted for both identity and foreign status. Everything else, including a matricula card or a voter registration card, needs a second document, which is usually a birth certificate.

  • We have tax professionals and Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) available to answer your questions and quickly process your renewal for free.
  • An ITIN consists of nine digits, beginning with the number nine (i.e., 9XX-XX-XXXX).
  • It will be critical that you have submitted documents requested by the IRS during the online application process.
  • They communicate with the IRS on your behalf and help with any queries.
  • You can ONLY find your ITIN number on your official IRS ITIN Card/Letter that was issued to you from the IRS when you initially applied for an ITIN.
  • However, it is still unclear what the SSA does when they receive W-2s with an ITIN.

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. 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.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the U.S. An ITIN consists of nine digits, beginning with the number nine (i.e., 9XX-XX-XXXX). Since 1996, the IRS has issued ITINs to taxpayers and their dependents bookkeeping for contractors specializing in handyman services who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number (SSN). ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code.

How To Check If An ITIN Expired

2) Supporting Documentation – based on the reason why you’re applying for an ITIN, I will instruct you further on how to obtain this after you sign up and I review your file. IRS processes return showing SSNs or ITINs in the blanks where tax forms request SSNs. With an ITIN number, you can also open a U.S. bank account and apply for a mortgage loan. No, you’re not legally allowed to apply for an ITIN if you have an SSN or are currently applying for an SSN. An applicant can apply for an ITIN by mail, in person through a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), or with the help of an Acceptance Agent (AA) or a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) authorized by the IRS. An applicant who resides outside the U.S. may apply by mail or in person to an IRS employee or a designated U.S. diplomatic mission or consular post.

  • If you do not have an SSN and are not eligible to obtain an SSN, but you have a requirement to provide a federal tax identification number or file a federal income tax return, you must prepare your ITIN application.
  • There, you also can verify the original documents and the certified copies.
  • Understanding the ITIN application process is critical to ensuring compliance and unlocking a range of opportunities within the US tax system.
  • Therefore, you can also get consultancy services from us in order to avoid problems while applying online.
  • You need to take action to renew it if it’ll be included on a U.S. federal tax return.

This service is critical to taxpayers who are legitimately concerned about sending original documents to the IRS (such as a passport) that may get lost. Typically, once we receive your documents and file your application with the IRS, it takes on average several weeks to get your ITIN renewed. No, a tax return is not required for an ITIN renewal application. However, if you would like to file your upcoming tax return for 2022 and renew your ITIN, then a tax return can be attached to your ITIN renewal application. If you receive notice that you, your spouse, or your dependent’s ITIN is scheduled to expire and you will be filing a tax return or claim for refund in 2022, you should begin the renewal process as soon as possible.

Once the ITIN is assigned, they will forward your return for processing and send you a letter with the ITIN. We wanted to give some answers to the question how long does it take to get an ITIN number based on our own experience. However, we would like to share with you information about the entire application process, not just how long does it take to get an ITIN number. To apply for ITIN for non-resident individuals, form W-7 is used to obtain an ITIN.

What Is An ITIN Application?

For example, the IRS is required to disclose taxpayer information to certain U.S. Treasury Department employees when they request it for tax administration purposes or to other federal agencies if it’s needed for a nontax criminal investigation and a federal court has ordered that it be provided. You need to renew your ITIN number if it has expired or will expire before filing a tax return in 2023. They will also notify you that the ITIN number you submitted is expired and explain the delay for your refund.

Just because you are undocumented does not exempt you from paying taxes like a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident would. 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. The ITIN was introduced to allow foreign nationals, and migrants awaiting lawful status, to pay the correct taxes in the US. It’s not an immigrant enforcement tool, and the IRS never shares applicant information with any other government agency. Mail your tax return and any required attachments and supporting documents to the appropriate IRS address.

In 2013, there were nearly 50 percent fewer ITIN applications than in each of the previous three years. In addition, the IRS rejected over 50 percent of the applications that were submitted in 2013. According to the National Taxpayer Advocate, dramatic declines in applications for ITINs continued in 2014 and 2015 as a result of these stricter application rules, which have now been codified into law. Bank products and services are offered by Pathward, N.A.
All deposit accounts through Pathward are FDIC insured.

You can file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), with your federal income tax return. You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status. Original documents will be returned to the address on record after processing your application. The IRS is currently processing Form W-7s within 11 weeks after receipt.

Persons who do not have a Social Security Number can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number when necessary. It is also possible to apply online to receive the ITIN, which is a 9-digit number. You are expected to pay an application form and consultancy service fee during the application process. However, since the ITIN is endless, you only have to pay this fee once.

If you already have an ITIN but fail to submit a U.S. tax return in any given calendar year, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may expire. If this happens, you’ll need to resubmit all your materials – along with your most recently completed U.S. federal tax return. The standard processing time is still seven weeks, although the IRS points out that delays can last up to 11 weeks if the renewal paperwork is received during peak tax time (January 15 to April 30).

Share This

Copy Link to Clipboard

Copy