Get a refund of income tax withholding from the IRS, if you qualify. If you do not want to apply for a PTIN online, use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application. You will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security CardPDF. You also must submit evidence how to read a banks balance sheet of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. If you must send original documents, you can send the IRS a prepaid express envelope with your application to have them returned faster.

• This could include a birth certificate, adoption papers, or other court-appointed papers showing legal guardianship.
• Because of the sensitive nature of the documents you’re sending, only use certified mail with a tracking number.
• You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status.
• United Ways of California improves the health, education and financial results for low-income children and families by enhancing and coordinating the advocacy and community impact work of California United Ways across the state.

Visiting a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center is one way to submit your application. Make sure you have your tax return and identification documents with you to avoid having to come back. While the ITIN application or renewal process can be done with any of our tax pros, using a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) makes the process a bit easier.

Did you know there is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

Get unlimited live help from tax experts plus a final review with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic. • Anyone who needs to file a tax return and doesn’t have a Social Security number needs to obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number, or ITIN. CAAs are required to keep copies of all documentation they send to the IRS. The IRS will send the ITIN to the CAA, who will pass it on to you. 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.

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.

How Do I Apply for an ITIN? – Ultimate Guide for International Founders

No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund. Find out about your state taxes—property taxes, tax rates and brackets, common forms, and much more. Find out what adjustments and deductions are available and whether you qualify. A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws. It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS.

What do I do if my name has changed since I received my ITIN?

An exclusive list of documents that are acceptable for this purpose is included in the Instructions for Form W-7. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. 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). ITINs 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. Individuals must have a filing requirement and file a valid federal income tax return to receive an ITIN, unless they meet an exception.

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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. This allows you to avoid mailing your original documents, or certified copies, to the IRS. All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement. 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.

Through an acceptance agent:

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 can also apply through one of the two types of acceptance agents authorized by the IRS. Taxpayers with an ITIN can complete the registration process to access their IRS online account, which provides balance due, payment history, payment plans, tax records, and more.

How Certified Acceptance Agents can help with your ITIN

You must have a PTIN if you, for compensation, prepare all or substantially all of any federal tax return or claim for refund. An ITIN is issued for federal tax filing purposes only and doesn’t entitle you to social security benefits nor does it make you eligible for the earned income credit. The ITIN creates no inference concerning your immigration status or your right to work in the United States. 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). The Form 2441 must be attached to Form W-7 along with the U.S. federal tax return.

With this service, offered at certain participating offices, the CAA will verify your supporting documents90Go to disclaimer for more details. And, because they’re verified on-site, your original documents may not need to be mailed to the IRS. Our CAA will submit copies of these documents, along with your ITIN application or renewal, to the IRS for you. Ask your tax professional if a CAA is available at your H&R Block location. You can file via Form W-7 with your federal tax return during tax season between January and April or any time you have a reporting requirement. Let’s say you’re working and earning money in the United States, but you don’t qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN).