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. 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.

An IRSN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file a tax return or pay taxes without providing a taxpayer identification number or Social Security number. The IRSN appears on any IRS correspondence related to that tax return. Whether you are applying for a new ITIN or renewing an existing ITIN, you must provide documentation that meets certain federal government requirements.

This looks the same whether you’re applying for a new ITIN or just renewing an old one. Anyone who needs to pay taxes but doesn’t fit into the Social Security box should get an ITIN. You may be able to request a certified copy of documents at an embassy or consulate. If you are eligible for a Social Security number, then you should submit an application for one. Instead of completing Form W-7, you would complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security card.

1. A foreign entity that completes Form SS-4 in the manner described above should be entered into IRS records as not having a filing requirement for any U.S. tax returns.
2. Be sure to take a selfie for sentimental purposes (optional step).
3. The witness’s signature is also required and must be identified as that of a witness.
4. I’m not going to spend much time getting into these, since they don’t apply to most people.

Each method of submission has its advantages and limitations, and applicants should choose based on convenience and reliability. Successfully completing the W-7 form requires attention to detail, ensuring all fields are accurately filled. Mistakes or omissions can lead to application delays or rejections. Guides, templates, and checklists to make transaction account finances a little easier.

IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws, and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for Social Security numbers. They 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. ITINs do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting. If questions 11 through 17 on Form SS-4 do not apply to the applicant because he has no U.S. tax return filing requirement, such questions should be annotated “N/A”.

IRS Form 5695 Instructions

They are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants, ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their applications. The IRS requires either original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. These documents undergo a verification process to ensure authenticity. 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. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity.

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

But just in case, let’s go over a few sections that might apply. You can use an ITIN to prove you live somewhere or get a driver’s license. But when it comes to loans, it’s not widely accepted in place of an SSN. Only a Social Security Number qualifies you to receive Social Security and other government benefits. If you do not receive your documents within 60 days, contact the IRS.

Get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file your tax return

Set your business up for success with our free small business tax calculator. Save more by mixing and matching the bookkeeping, tax, and consultation services you need. These offices are located all around the country.The staff are equipped to follow up on ITIN applications. Not every section will apply to you, and it’s okay to skip those parts.

Also include the pages of your passport that show your U.S. visa with your completed Form W-7. Unless you include a U.S. federal tax return with your completed Form W07, the IRS won’t use this address you enter to update its records for other purposes. You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year when you have a filing or reporting requirement.