You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status. 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. A certified document is one that the original issuing agency provides and certifies as an exact copy of the original document and contains an official stamped seal from the Agency.

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. Having an ITIN will make many aspects of financial life easier for new immigrants to the U.S. We’ll explain what an ITIN is, if you can get an ITIN without a tax return, how to apply for an ITIN without an SSN, and how long it takes to receive an ITIN. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity.

Why do I need an ITIN?

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. Because ITINs are confidential, they aren’t considered reliable for tracking someone’s credit history or financial health. That’s why many creditors only accept Social Security numbers and won’t rent to ITIN holders.

• Although an ITIN doesn’t entitle holders to Social Security benefits or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), it does allow them to claim Child Tax Credit.
• This means that anyone who is required to file taxes in the U.S. will be eligible for an ITIN, no matter their immigration status.
• Acceptance Agents are entities (colleges, financial institutions, accounting firms, etc.) who are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs.
• You will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security CardPDF.

ITINs allow foreign nationals living in the US to comply with tax laws, and can also be issued for a recipient’s spouse and dependents. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax-processing number issued by the US International Revenue Service (IRS), offered to migrants still awaiting lawful status. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ITINs, and how they can affect you if you’ve recently moved to live and work in the US. 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. An ITIN will serve as your identification number for filing your taxes.

What is an ITIN number and how to apply for one?

If you don’t use your ITIN for three consecutive years, it will expire. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues ITINs, while the issuing agency for the SSN is the Social Security Administration, how to balance purchase ledger or SSA. If you’re unsure whether you need an ITIN, check with your employer. Bank products and services are offered by Pathward, N.A.
All deposit accounts through Pathward are FDIC insured.

Q17: How long will the return be delayed in processing, if it’s filed with an expired ITIN?

Navigating the FAFSA submission process can be challenging, but with persistence and strategic planning, applicants can overcome hurdles and ensure timely completion of this key financial aid document. Prepare, stay informed, and exercise patience to get the necessary forms submitted accurately and expediently. At Keeper, we’re on a mission to help people overcome the complexity of taxes.

Forms & Instructions

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. Many applicants have reported the 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. All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement.

How do I get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?

Under box 6e, indicate whether you’ve been issued an ITIN before, and list the number in box 6f. 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. Only a Social Security Number qualifies you to receive Social Security and other government benefits. Social Security Numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). They are shared across multiple governmental departments (including Immigration and Customs Enforcement). An ITIN can be used in place of an SSN to open a bank account.

Tax return requirement

For more information see Allowable Tax Benefits in the Instructions for Form W-7PDF. Once the 2024–25 FAFSA form becomes available, you can start your form at fafsa.gov. Learn more about filling out the FAFSA form on the “How To Fill Out the FAFSA® Application” page. To find out if your parent(s) will be a contributor on your FAFSA form, check out the Is My Parent a Contributor When I Fill Out My FAFSA® Form? You’ll need to create a StudentAid.gov account to access and fill out the 2024–25 FAFSA form.