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

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Here’s what to do based on how long you’ve been waiting. Last but not least, be sure to sign and date your W-7 at the bottom, and provide a good phone number for the IRS to reach you at, just in case. Not every section will apply to you, and it’s okay to skip those parts. But just in case, let’s go over a few sections that might apply. Because ITINs are confidential, they aren’t considered reliable for tracking someone’s credit history or financial health.

However, you won’t get any of that money back in the form of future benefits — unless, of course, you acquire a Social Security number down the road. If you do not want to apply for a total revenue formula 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. It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS. A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS. To avoid having to set up an ITIN in person, simply fill out this form to apply for an ITIN online right now.

The IRS releases the tax season’s start date every year. They won’t officially begin accepting tax returns before then, so keep an eye out for this announcement. 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. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity.

Sending important documents makes most people feel uneasy. Things get lost or damaged in the mail all the time, and replacing something like a passport is no small task. An IRSN, or “Internal Revenue Service Number,” is a temporary number the IRS issues when it receives a tax return without the Form W-7 attached. You’ll still have to pay into those programs if you pay self-employment tax.

If your application your application was rejected

1. Because of the sensitive nature of the documents you’re sending, only use certified mail with a tracking number.
2. Under box 6e, indicate whether you’ve been issued an ITIN before, and list the number in box 6f.
3. Be sure to take a selfie for sentimental purposes (optional step).
4. You’ll be required to have the original document or certified copy with your application.

Regardless of how you chose to submit your application, you are required to fill out a W-7 form. GOV+ can help streamline this process to fill out the required paperwork. When your goal is to eventually apply for legal United States residency, demonstrating that you’ve lived in the U.S. and paid taxes can aid your application. Furthermore, if you’re eligible for a SSN in the future, the income you reported under your ITIN may count toward your Social Security earnings.

Why ITINs are important

In the United States, every person who has taxable income has to file an annual tax return with the IRS, or Internal Revenue Service. To help the agency keep track of the millions of filers every year, each taxpayer needs a unique tax ID number on their return. You can mail the W-7 and documentation to the address in the Form W-7 Instructions. Bring it to your local IRS office, or use an acceptance agent (colleges, financial institutions, or accounting firms that are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs). They’ll review the W-7 and documentation before sending it to the IRS. If you’d prefer not to submit your information in person, you can mail it.

Small business/self-employed

Be sure to take a selfie for sentimental purposes (optional step). You can leave all the tax ID numbers on your 1040 tax return blank. Once your ITIN is assigned, you’ll use it in those boxes on future returns. 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. This interview will help you determine if you should file an application to receive an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

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

We do not charge for any forms, however, we charge for use of our software in assisting you with completing the form. We are not a financial, accounting or law firm and do not provide legal or financial advice. Keeper is the top-rated all-in-one business expense tracker, tax filing service, and personal accountant. Processing your ITIN application takes several weeks, so expect longer than normal delays for your tax return to be processed.

The letter will list your ITIN number and give you instructions on how to use it. You don’t need to have your ITIN to submit a tax extension. I’m not going to spend much time getting into these, since they don’t apply to most people. But if you want to learn more, read page 10 of IRS Publication 1915. The process could cost as little as $30 or as much as $400. That being said, the price will vary depending on where you live and whether the CAA prepares your tax return as well.