Usually, the IRS will send you a letter asking you to renew it. Please give us a call when you receive your letter and we’ll set up an appointment to renew. ISS will prepare ITIN support letters for you and have the original available to pick up once it is ready. If you have not used your ITIN to file a tax return in several years you might need to renew it. Alien individuals who are legally admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence or other categories which authorize U.S. employment are eligible for Social Security Numbers (SSNs). Individuals who are eligible for SSNs are ineligible for ITINS.

Consult with an immigration attorney if you have any concerns. Many people who are not authorized to live in the United States worry that filing taxes increases their exposure to the government, fearing this could ultimately result in deportation. If you already have an ITIN, then the IRS has your information, unless you moved recently. You are not increasing your exposure by renewing an ITIN or filing taxes with an ITIN. To file a tax return, you must enter your ITIN in the space for the SSN on the tax form, complete the rest of the return, and submit the tax return (along with any additional forms) to the IRS. To get the PTC, parents with ITINs are required to file their taxes.

If you would like a tax expert to clarify it for you, feel free to sign up for Keeper. 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. In the United States, every person who has taxable income has to file an annual tax return with the IRS, or Internal Revenue Service. To help the agency keep track of the millions of filers every year, each taxpayer needs a unique tax ID number on their return. If you already have a SSN, have ever had an SSN, or are eligible to apply for an SSN, you are not eligible to apply for an ITIN.

It is important that you read and follow these instructions, section by section. The IRS is very particular on how you file this form (especially the address portion). Do not leave any blanks; write ‘N/A’ if something does not apply to you.

Why ITINs are important

This can serve as proof of “good moral character” in immigration cases. Filing taxes can be helpful in your immigration case if you are able to adjust your status in the future. We have tax professionals and Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) available to answer your questions and quickly process your renewal for free. You can find out the documents that can be used to satisfy either requirement in the “Supporting Documentation Requirements” section here.

ITINs do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting. The IRS issues ITINs to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for SSNs. A non-resident alien not eligible for an SSN, who is required to file a U.S. tax return only to claim a refund of tax under the provisions of a U.S. tax treaty, needs an ITIN. If you do not have an SSN and are not eligible to obtain an SSN, but you have a requirement to furnish a federal tax identification number or file a federal income tax return, you must apply for an ITIN. By law, an alien individual cannot have both an ITIN and an SSN.

What if you haven’t received your ITIN yet?

After you apply for an ITIN and qualify for an ITIN, you could receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number in as early as seven weeks. However, the speed in which it takes to get an ITIN depends on the volume of inquiries the IRS receives — it can take nine to eleven weeks during busy times. You can fill out an application form for an ITIN for you, your spouse, and your dependents when you prepare your tax return with us.

An original passport is the only document that is accepted for both identity and foreign status. If you do not have a passport, you must provide a combination of current documents that contain expiration dates, show your name and photograph, and support your claim of foreign status. Individuals sometimes want to obtain ITINs for family members.

They won’t officially begin accepting tax returns before then, so keep an eye out for this announcement. If you need more time to file, though, you can always submit a tax extension giving you six additional months to file. 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. Please note, current ITIN processing times with the IRS are up to 20 weeks. Do not submit an ITIN application if you are employed or have a job that will start soon. If you are or will be employed, you will be eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) instead.

Commercial tax preparers who are Acceptance Agents often charge a fee that can range from $50 to $275 for completing the Form W-7. Current law generally prohibits the IRS from sharing tax return information with other agencies, with a few important exceptions. The protections against the disclosure of information are set in law so they cannot be rescinded by a presidential executive order or other administrative action unless Congress changes the law.

We may receive a commission if you make a purchase or take action through these links. However, rest assured that our editorial content and opinions remain unbiased and independent. These affiliate earnings support the maintenance and operation of this website. For U.S. citizens, the IRS identifies them using their Social Security Number (SSN), which is issued by the Social Security Administration. IRS regulations do not allow an individual to have both an ITIN and an SSN. Once you receive your SSN, you have to request that your ITIN be rescinded.

How do I complete the Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (Form W- ?

The copy must be made by FIRPTA Solutions, The US Embassy, The US Consulate, or the passport office or government office that first issued the document. While Keeper doesn’t currently support W-7 filings, our tax filing service is quick and easy. With just a few clicks, you can electronically file your taxes with the IRS to ensure the operating lease: how it works and differs from a finance lease fastest possible processing times. Many countries have tax agreements with the United States which could exempt some of your income from federal taxes. This link to Publication 901 will provide you with information on any tax treaty your country may have with the US. The IRS also has the exact text of each tax treaty of each country.

• Please give us a call when you receive your letter and we’ll set up an appointment to renew.
• The third stimulus check is worth up to $1,400 for each eligible adult and each qualifying dependent in a household.
• ITINs are for federal tax reporting only, and are not intended to serve any other purpose.
• Click HERE for a list of the documents that the IRS requires if you are not including a US income tax return.
• Do not submit an ITIN application if you are employed or have a job that will start soon.

An ITIN will serve as your identification number for filing your taxes. With tax professionals and Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) nationwide, our offices are well-equipped to guide you through the ITIN application or ITIN renewal process. 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. You can also apply through one of the two types of acceptance agents authorized by the IRS. If you would like our help with your ITIN application, please complete THIS registration form.

What Is an Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN) and How to Get One

This credit is worth up to $2,500 and can help reduce educational expenses to attend college. The credit is only available for the first four years of a student’s post-secondary education. Eligible students must be pursuing a degree or another recognized credential.

This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents. For dependents, CAAs can only verify passports and birth certificates. The CAA will return the documentation immediately after reviewing its authenticity. Taxpayers residing outside of the United States can apply for an ITIN through a CAA.

Harvard International Office

The IRS provides detailed application instructions, review and prepare the information on the IRS website, before you submit your application. After you receive the ITIN support letter from ISS, review the FAQ on the UW’s ITIN office for additional information and next steps. The ITIN office at the UW can provide additional guidance on what you need to do to prepare for the ITIN application for the IRS.