Along with the completed Form W-7, you’ll submit identity documents and either a federal tax return or other documentation to show the federal tax purpose for which you need the ITIN. You will usually file an ITIN application, Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, with your first tax return, which you must file as a paper return, not electronically. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a crucial tool for non-resident aliens who need to file U.S. tax returns. This guide explores everything you need to know about ITINs, including their purpose, benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

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This allows you to avoid mailing your original documents, or certified copies, to the IRS. The application — Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — asks details about why you need an ITIN and requires you to send in certain documents to prove your foreign status and identity. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS.

The ITIN creates no inference concerning your immigration status or your right to work in the United States. 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. Certain offices can verify passports and national identification cards and return them immediately. A list of these in-person Document Review Taxpayer Assistance Centers is available on IRS.gov.

Is there a way I can check the status of my 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. This service is available to you seven weeks after you submit your W-7 and supporting documents.

You can apply for an ITIN by bringing your completed forms (Including the completed Form W-7) and documentation to any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center office. The staff can help you complete an application and will submit it for processing. A certified copy is one that the original issuing agency provides, and certifies as an exact copy of the original, and contains an official stamped seal from the agency. Certifying Acceptance Agents and many Taxpayer Assistance Centers, discussed below, may also certify certain documents. The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity. Sprintax is the go-to resource for international students, scholars, and non-residents navigating the complexities of U.S. tax filing.

I am a nonresident in the US. Can I claim any tax treaty benefits?

1. Dependents of U.S. military personnel are required to submit original documents or certified copies unless the required documents to prove foreign status and identity are notarized by an agent of the Department of Defense.
2. You can file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), with your federal income tax return.
3. You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status.
4. 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.
5. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights.

It allows you to report your income earned in the US and claim any applicable tax benefits. Please note that only owners of a US LLC or US C-Corp are eligible to apply for an ITIN. 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. Many applicants have reported that IRS lost their passports or other valuable and hard-to-replace identification documents. Consider getting certified copies or using one of the application methods listed below, rather than mailing original identification documents to the IRS.

Nonresident aliens claiming tax treaty benefits must submit original documents or copies what is ancillary revenue certified by the issuing agency. Dependents of U.S. military personnel are required to submit original documents or certified copies unless the required documents to prove foreign status and identity are notarized by an agent of the Department of Defense. An exclusive list of documents that are acceptable for this purpose is included in the Instructions for Form W-7. You can file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), with your federal income tax return.

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). 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. 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.