Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Wikipedia

If you do not want to apply for a PTIN online, use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application. A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws. It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS. A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS. The time it takes to get an ITIN varies depending on the method of application. Generally, it takes four to six weeks, and up to 11 weeks if there is a backlog, to get an ITIN if you apply by mail.

About Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

You will usually file an ITIN application, Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, with twenty years after epic bankruptcy enron leaves a complex legacy your first tax return, which you must file as a paper return, not electronically. All the exceptions are listed in the ITIN application instructions. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required for U.S. federal tax purposes to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have and are not eligible to get a Social Security number (SSN).

More In Forms and Instructions

The Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual. 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. Form W-7(SP), Solicitud de Número de Identificación Personal del Contribuyente del Servicio de Impuestos Internos is available for use by Spanish speakers. An ITIN may be assigned to an alien dependent from Canada or Mexico if that dependent qualifies a taxpayer for a child or dependent care credit (claimed on Form 2441). The Form 2441 must be attached to Form W-7 along with the U.S. federal tax return. First, it allows you to fulfill your tax obligations and avoid penalties for failing to file a tax return.

They are issued regardless of immigration status, because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code. ITINs do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting. The application must be attached to a valid federal income tax return unless the individual qualifies for an exception. All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement. The ITIN program was created in 1996 for the purpose of allowing tax return filing by individuals without a Social Security number. Such investors need ITINs in order to file federal and state tax returns to report rental income.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

1. 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).
2. We strongly suggest that you get certified copies of all your documents instead of sending originals.
3. Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual.
4. The application must be attached to a valid federal income tax return unless the individual qualifies for an exception.

For more information please see the Social Security Administration website. The ITIN is used solely for tax purposes, and it is not intended to serve any other purpose. ITINs do not authorize individuals to work in the United States or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits. The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status breaking down reconciliation and identity. If you must send original documents, you can send the IRS a prepaid express envelope with your application to have them returned faster.

Many applicants have reported that 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. If a person obtains an ITIN but does not include it on a federal tax return for three consecutive years, it will expire and will need to be revalidated. ITINs with a middle digit between “70” and “87” have expired. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Read the Latest TAS Tax News

For more information see Allowable Tax Benefits in the Instructions for Form W-7 PDF. In this guide, we will go through payment processing fees the steps to obtain an ITIN, the required documents, and how it can benefit you. Proposed regulations permitting the IRS to shorten third-party notice requirements in certain circum…