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. Acceptance Agents are what is the journal entry for sale of services on credit 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.
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 accounts payable their taxes. 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.
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. 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.
- It is also used by estates and trusts which have income which is required to be reported on Form 1041, U.S.
- Sarah has spent nearly a decade in public accounting and has extensive experience offering strategic tax planning at the state and federal level.
- Her work has been featured in Business Insider, Money Under 30, Best Life, GOBankingRates, and Shopify.
- All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement.
- 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.
Small business/self-employed
That’s why many creditors only accept Social Security numbers and won’t rent to ITIN holders. Social Security Numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). They are shared across multiple governmental departments (including Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Simple Form financial statements and their utmost importance to users 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest). As an independent organization within the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service helps taxpayers resolve problems and recommends changes that will prevent problems.
How to apply for an ITIN
The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The best option is to file your tax return as early in the tax filing season as possible.
When should I apply?
Bring it to your local IRS office, or use an acceptance agent (colleges, financial institutions, or accounting firms that are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs). They’ll review the W-7 and documentation before sending it to the IRS. If none of the in-person options work for you, you can still submit your application by mail. We strongly suggest that you get certified copies of all your documents instead of sending originals. We also suggest you send the application and documents by certified mail so you’ll have evidence of when you filed the application and where you sent it. 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).
You should expect to hear back from the IRS about your approval status after no more than seven weeks — look for a letter in the mail with your ITIN when your application is approved. 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. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.
ITINs that have not been used on a tax return for Tax Year 2021, Tax Year 2022 or Tax Year 2023 will expire December 31, 2024. Unless you will not need to file an income tax return next year, you will likely need to renew your ITIN if you fit either of the above two categories. To apply for an ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual. If you’re required to file a tax return and aren’t eligible for a Social Security number, you need to apply for an ITIN (See the What should I do? section, above).