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. If you do not wish to send your original documents by mail and risk losing them, you may request the services of an IRS certified acceptance agent (CAA) or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Taxpayer Assistance Centers provide help in person and are available by appointment only.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
4. The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity.
5. ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status, as both resident and non-resident foreigners may have a requirement to file tax returns per the Internal Revenue Code.
6. If you will need your original documents for any purpose within this processing timeframe, you may wish to apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or CAA.

Accounting solutions

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. It is important to apply early to be ready for tax season. While it is possible to apply for an ITIN and file your federal income tax return at the same time, it is easier to have it beforehand.

Method Three: IRS-Authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent

ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status, as both resident and non-resident foreigners may have a requirement to file tax returns per the Internal Revenue Code. 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. 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.

Prepare for your appointment

Below are links to some of the digital services offered by the IRS. You’ll generally need to schedule an appointment beforehand, but walk-in assistance may be available in some areas. If you have a question about any of the topics below, one of these lesser-known IRS phone numbers might get you to help faster. We’ve also included links to our articles on a number of topics, which might save you a call. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website.

Other reasons to obtain an ITIN is if you will be included on the tax return of someone else and you do not have and are ineligible to obtain an SSN. You’re welcome to call the main IRS phone number Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. The agency’s average telephone service wait time is three minutes during filing season (January through April) and 11 minutes during the off-season (May through December). As an independent organization within the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service helps taxpayers resolve problems and recommends changes that will prevent problems. Learn more about tracking the status of your tax refund.

The notice explains the steps to follow to renew the ITIN. ITINs with middle digits of 70, 71, 72, 78, 79 or 80 grant writing for nonprofits have previously expired. The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity. A current passport would meet all these requirements and is the only document you can submit on its own.

For professional advice, please consult with a licensed tax professional with experience in nonresident taxes or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you have or are eligible to obtain a social security number, you are not eligible for an ITIN. You may have quickbooks payroll: online services for small businesses clients who need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Here is a summary of what’s involved in applying for or renewing an ITIN.

Primary, secondary and dependent individuals may submit W-7 applications in person (with original documents) at designated IRS TACs. The TACs will certify only original independent contractor tax form requirements passports and national ID cards. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you. 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. Earlier this summer, the IRS mailed a CP-48 notice to those affected taxpayers.