How to apply for your ITIN from abroad Nonresident Tax tips

To prevent delays, make sure you’ve provided the correct information and sent all the required supporting documentation. Incomplete or incorrect applications may take longer beginning inventory definition to process. 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.

Can I get the Earned Income Tax Credit with an ITIN?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax processing number issued by the IRS. The purpose of an ITIN is to ensure those who work in the U.S. have a method of paying taxes, even if they don’t qualify for a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. 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. At Expat CPA, we specialize in helping non-residents, US citizens and expats remain compliant with the latest IRS tax codes. In addition to dedicated support for W-7 form instruction, we can also help you determine your expat eligibility for Social Security and other federal benefits.

Applicants can also submit their W-7 by scheduling an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center while in the United States, or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent either in the United States or abroad. 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. An ITIN is issued for federal tax filing purposes only and doesn’t entitle you to Social Security benefits nor does it make you eligible for the earned income credit. The ITIN creates no inference concerning your immigration status or your right to work in the United States.

Step 2: Get copies of your identification documents certified

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1. An ITIN is issued for federal tax filing purposes only and doesn’t entitle you to Social Security benefits nor does it make you eligible for the earned income credit.
2. As long as you qualify for a refund, and you have filed your taxes correctly, then yes.
3. After that, you will receive your ITIN via mail and you can start filling taxes.
4. You may either mail the documentation, along with the Form W-7, to the address shown in the Form W-7 Instructions, present it at IRS walk-in offices, or process your application through an Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS.
5. However, if you’re living abroad and have adopted a foreign child or have had a foreign child legally placed in your home pending an adoption, that child may be eligible for an ITIN.
6. If you are in your home country outside of the US then this may be trickier as usually your responsible officer at your school can certify copies of your identification documents.

Is there a way I can check the status of my ITIN?

Beginning January 1, 2011, if you are a paid tax preparer you must use a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on returns you prepare. If you do not have a PTIN, you must get one by using the new IRS sign-up system. Even if you have a PTIN but you received it prior to September 28, 2010, you must apply for a new or renewed PTIN by using the new system. If all your authentication information matches, you may be issued the same number. You must have a PTIN if you, for compensation, prepare all or substantially all of any federal tax return or claim for a complete guide to different cushion fabrics refund.

You must file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number PDF to apply for an ITIN and to show that you have a federal tax purpose for seeking the ITIN. Along with the completed Form W-7, you’ll submit identity documents and either a federal tax return or other documentation to show the federal tax purpose for which you need the ITIN. A taxpayer identification number (TIN) is required on all returns, statements, and other tax-related documents and you must provide it upon request to any other person who needs it to comply with the tax law.

Moreover, the steps for obtaining an ITIN become slightly more complex when reporting U.S. taxes while living abroad. If you are an international student and you are filing an ITIN application in advance of your tax return, you will need to complete and sign a Form W-7. When you are filing an ITIN application alongside a tax return, the responsible officer at your school cannot certify the documents you are providing.

The standard processing time is still seven weeks, although the IRS points out that delays can last up to 11 weeks if the renewal paperwork is received during peak tax time (January 15 to April 30). Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent. This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents. If you qualify for an exception, then file Form W-7 with your proof of identity and foreign status documents and supporting documentation for the exception. This interview will help you determine if you should file an application to receive an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). An ITIN is a tax processing number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service, for certain resident and nonresident aliens, their spouses, and their dependents.