The 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). The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your amortization business issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you. 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. That way, you won’t have to mail your originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.

Answers do not constitute written advice in response to a specific written request of the taxpayer within the meaning of section 6404(f) of the Internal Revenue Code. The discussion of allowable tax benefits has been expanded. For more information see Allowable Tax Benefits in the Instructions for Form W-7 PDF. 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. The letter will list your ITIN number and give you instructions on how to use it.

Expiration of ITINs

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. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS.

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). 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.

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You can use the phone number listed on the notice to call with any questions. 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. They can also help you fill out starting a small business the Form W-7 completely — and even prepare your tax return for you. Be sure to enter your date of birth in the order listed on the form — month first, followed by date, and then year at the end.

1. If none of the in-person options work for you, you can still submit your application by mail.
2. The discussion of allowable tax benefits has been expanded.
3. Social Security Numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
4. Certain offices can verify passports and national identification cards and return them immediately.
5. Things get lost or damaged in the mail all the time, and replacing something like a passport is no small task.
6. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS.

Are there any alternative options for me if I do not want to mail the original documents I have such as my passport?

Choose whether you’re applying or renewingIn the very first section, you’ll be prompted to mark whether you’re renewing an ITIN you already have or applying for a new one. Individual Tax ID Numbers, on the other hand, are issued by the IRS and can’t be shared with other departments “The IRS… does not provide USCIS with tax information for immigration enforcement purposes,” Castro says. 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. Upload your tax forms and Keeper will prep your return for you. If you miss the 45-day window, your application will be automatically rejected.

Did you know there is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

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. Under box 6e, indicate whether you’ve been issued an ITIN before, and bookkeeping tests list the number in box 6f. Anyone who needs to pay taxes but doesn’t fit into the Social Security box should get an ITIN.

Each of these groups has specific requirements to qualify. See IRS.gov – ITIN Updated Procedures Frequently Asked Questions. The good news is, they’re reaching out to you before rejecting your request for an ITIN. You’ll have 45 days to respond with new records, following the instructions in your letter.