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. Having an ITIN number is a necessary tool if you have to file tax returns. A Form 1040 return with limited credits is one that’s filed using IRS Form 1040 only (with the exception of the specific covered situations described below).

Consider getting certified copies or using one of the application methods listed below, rather than mailing original identification documents to the IRS. Let’s say you’re working and earning money in the United States, but you don’t qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN). An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, type of Tax ID or Taxpayer ID) will serve as your identification number for filing your tax returns. If you do not qualify for an SSN, you will need to apply for an 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.

Forms & Instructions

Having an ITIN number won’t make you eligible for benefits, such as Social Security or earned income credits that provide refunds to some low-income filers. 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. All the exceptions are listed in the ITIN application instructions. If you qualify for one of the exceptions and do not need to file a tax return, send only your ITIN application form and the required documents to prove that you meet the requirements of that exception.

• We provide the best and most competitive value to you as valued customers to transform your goals into a solution with a clear action plan.
• LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS.
• If you receive an IRS notice related to the ITIN application, CAAs can contact the IRS on your behalf.
• No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund.
• After you submit your application, you’ll receive a letter from the IRS within six weeks containing your ITIN.

A foreign entity that completes Form SS-4 in the manner described above should be entered into IRS records as not having a filing requirement for any U.S. tax returns. Failure to respond to the IRS letter may result in a procedural assessment of tax by the IRS against the foreign entity. If the foreign entity later becomes liable to file a U.S. tax return, the foreign entity should not apply for a new EIN, but should instead use the EIN it was first issued on all U.S. tax returns filed thereafter. The Individual Tax Identification Number, or ITIN, allows taxpayers who don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN) to file income tax returns. Unlike other forms of ID, ITINs only have one purpose—tax filing and reporting.

What is a tax ID number?

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. 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. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. It is also used by estates and trusts which have income which is required to be reported on Form 1041, U.S. The following form is available only to employers located in Puerto Rico, Solicitud de Número de Identificación Patronal (EIN) SS-4PRPDF.

Applying for and using an ITIN.

The number of documents you need for an ITIN number application is minimal. You can make the ITIN application in a few steps, & in approximately 8–12 weeks, you can have it. Discover all you need to do it right, and when you need this tax ID how to calculate prepaid rent expenses number. All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. With TurboTax Live Full Service, a local expert matched to your unique situation will do your taxes for you start to finish.

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You’ll earn credit Points for every eligible U.S. dollar spent. It takes several weeks to process the application and receive the number. The estimated time is six weeks if all your ITIN application documents are in order. Most importantly, it allows undocumented immigrants to create a business entity to earn income in the US and receive business licenses. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.

Instead, you can use an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), which is another nine-digit identifier that functions similarly to a Social Security number. The process for obtaining an ITIN isn’t always easy – a PATH Act law passed in 2016 affecting ITIN renewals. With the law, every ITIN will now have an expiration date. So, if ITIN holders don’t renew on time, your refund could be further delayed, preventing you from claiming certain tax credits.

The processing time for an ITIN application varies, but it usually takes about 7 to 11 weeks. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of any tax filing deadlines. If you’re a foreign national business owner, you can also apply for a business credit card. Use your ITIN to apply for an employer identification number (EIN) on the IRS website. Once you have your ITIN, you’re ready to apply for a credit card.