If all your authentication information matches, you may be issued the same number. You must have a PTIN if you, for compensation, prepare all or substantially all of any federal tax return or claim for refund. Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
Taxpayer identification numbers (TIN)
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing find transposition errors before they turn into a bigger issue number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). 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. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS.
A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS. In this guide, we will go through the steps to obtain an ITIN, the required documents, and how it can benefit you. As an independent organization within the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service helps taxpayers resolve problems and recommends changes that will prevent problems. The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
The staff can help you complete an application and will submit it for processing. Applicants who meet one of the exceptions to the requirement to file a tax return (see the Instructions for Form W-7) must provide documentation to support the exception. 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.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and providing the necessary documentation, you can obtain an ITIN and fulfill your tax obligations in the United States. Later on, showing how responsible you were in filing and paying your taxes with your ITIN can help as supporting evidence of Good Moral Character for the citizenship application. 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.
Refer to Employer ID Numbers for more information.The following form is available only to employers located in Puerto Rico, Solicitud de Número de Identificación Patronal (EIN) SS-4PR PDF. You will only file a tax return to the address above once, when you file Form W-7 to get an ITIN. In subsequent years, when you have an ITIN, you will file your tax return as directed in the form instructions. 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.
- The Form 2441 must be attached to Form W-7 along with the U.S. federal tax return.
- This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents.
- To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
How can an ITIN benefit immigrants?
LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. The advantage to using CAAs is that for primary and secondary applicants (like a spouse), the CAA can certify that your documents are original and make copies to send to the IRS. That way, you won’t have to mail your originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. 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.
Are all ITIN filers undocumented workers?
The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity. If you do not want to apply for a PTIN online, use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application. The time it takes to get an ITIN varies depending on the method of application. Generally, it takes four to six weeks, and up to 11 weeks if there is a backlog, to get an ITIN if you apply by mail.
Without an ITIN, you will not be able to file taxes or receive tax refunds, which can result in penalties and other financial consequences. You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year when you have a filing or reporting requirement. At a minimum, you should complete Form W-7 when you are ready to file your federal income tax return by the return’s prescribed due date. If the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the return’s due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties. 3 One example of a person who would need to furnish a federal identification number yet does not have federal filing responsibilities is the child of an authorized immigrant worker.
