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. In fact, 23 types of entities are exempt from the reporting requirements for beneficial ownership information gross pay vs net pay (BOI). These entities include publicly traded companies, nonprofits, and certain large operating companies. You can check FinCEN’s Small Entity Compliance Guide (updated as of December 2023) for a checklist that may help determine whether your company qualifies for an exemption.

Documents for the ITIN application

1. Candice believes that personal finance information should be inclusive of everyone because a solid financial base is the foundation for a successful life.
2. Processing your ITIN application takes several weeks, so expect longer than normal delays for your tax return to be processed.
3. 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.
4. They can also help you fill out the Form W-7 completely — and even prepare your tax return for you.
5. Generally, ITIN filers are not eligible to get SSNs because a prerequisite for receiving an ITIN is inability to obtain an SSN.

They won’t officially begin accepting tax returns before then, so keep an eye out for this announcement. The best option is to file your tax return as early in the tax filing season as possible. Processing your ITIN application takes several weeks, so expect longer than normal delays for your tax return to be processed. If you decide to work with a CAA, they can verify your original documents and send certified copies to the IRS for you. If this has happened to you, locate the IRSN number on the letter you received from the IRS and list it under box 6f. This way, the IRS will be able to match the tax return in their system.

Fact Sheet: Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)

Click over to the FinCEN website and select „File BOIR.“ FinCEN has been rolling out guidance—including new FAQ information posted as of July 24, 2024. Here’s a look at the updated guidance—and some related provisions. FinCEN has been rolling out guidance tied to the Corporate Transparency Act—including new FAQ information posted as of July 24, 2024. Here’s a look at the updated guidance—and some related provisions.

Q10: Is an ITIN considered to be issued when the ITIN application and accompanying return are received?

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. You can apply for an ITIN without filing a tax return if you meet the criteria for one of the exemptions. 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 qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you. If you must send original documents, you can send the IRS a prepaid express envelope with your application to have them returned faster. A current passport would meet all these requirements and is the only document you can submit on its own.

When should I apply?

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’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). The advantage to using Certifying Acceptance Agents (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.

In her spare time, she is a devoted cat mom and enjoys hiking, painting, and overwatering her houseplants. [3] One example of a person who would need to furnish a federal identification number yet does not have federal filing responsibilities is the child of an authorized immigrant worker. Such parents would claim dependent children on tax returns but must also identify their children using federal identification numbers. Generally, ITIN filers are not eligible to get SSNs because a prerequisite for receiving an ITIN is inability to obtain an SSN. However, an ITIN holder can become eligible to receive an SSN after receiving an ITIN.

CAAs can authenticate all the identification documents for the primary and secondary applicant. For dependents, they can authenticate the passport and civil birth certificate; however, they must send the original or certified copies of all other documents cost of sales vs cost of goods sold directly to the IRS. Once the package is assembled, attach the Form W-7 to the front of your first-ever US federal income tax return, along with the supporting documents. 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. While most ITIN filers likely are undocumented,[8] many are nonresidents who have federal tax filing responsibilities and who are unable to acquire an SSN. An SSN is not required to apply for an ITIN; in fact, the ITIN was created so those without an SSN could file their taxes each year. An ITIN is not only a way for undocumented immigrants to file their taxes, but it can help to show “good moral character” and help your case if you plan to one day adjust your immigration status or are at risk of being deported. If none of the in-person options work for you, you can still submit your application by mail.

The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity. A taxpayer whose ITIN has been deactivated and needs to file a U.S. return can reapply using Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. According to FinCEN, if you submit Form SS-4 by fax, you should generally receive an EIN in four business days.

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. All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you what does one time fees mean meet an exception to the filing requirement. You can get an EIN quickly—and for free—online at IRS.gov. Most reporting companies should be able to use the EIN online application to apply for their EIN. However, there may be situations where a reporting company must file a Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to obtain an EIN.

But if you’re a non-citizen, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) still expects you to report taxes every year — for which you’ll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). 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. You will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card PDF.

Conclusions are based on information provided by you in response to the questions you answered. 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. If you do not want to apply for a PTIN online, use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application. 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.

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.