How do I apply for an ITIN? Internal Revenue Service

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. A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws.

Q3: Do I need to renew my ITIN if I won’t be filing a tax return or claim for refund?

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 total purchase price Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on returns you prepare. If you do not have a PTIN, you must get one by using the new IRS sign-up system.

1. 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.
2. In subsequent years, when you have an ITIN, you will file your tax return as directed in the form instructions.
3. Consider getting certified copies or using one of the application methods listed below, rather than mailing original identification documents to the IRS.
4. They’ll review the W-7 and documentation before sending it to the IRS.
5. If you do not have a PTIN, you must get one by using the new IRS sign-up system.

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. 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). I mailed my ITIN application (W-7, tax return etc) to the IRS and was wondering what the processing time currently is for this. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

Expanded discussion of allowable tax benefit

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 how to handle outstanding checks in payroll by certified mail so you’ll have evidence of when you filed the application and where you sent it. 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.

What to do if your ITIN is lost or expired

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. 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. If a person obtains an ITIN but does not include it on a federal tax return for three consecutive years, it will expire and will need to be revalidated. 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.

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. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, learn how to get and use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a federal tax return. 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.

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 how to become a ceo: definition steps and skills 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.