An ITIN application is a straightforward process with outsized financial benefits such as a US bank account for non-residents as well as lucrative credit offers. However, it can take up to 11 weeks if your application is submitted during “peak tax time” in the United States.
Of course, if you are a foreign national who has passed other residency-based tests implemented by the IRS like the substantial presence test, you should speak to a CPA to confirm if an ITIN is the correct path for you.
In this article, we’re going to share everything you need to know about submitting your ITIN application, including information on when your ITIN could expire and how to renew it.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
ITIN Application
ITIN application requirements for a non-resident alien include a completed Form W-7, the Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). That said, ITIN eligibility requires a US tax filing obligation within the same year.
In addition to completing Form W-7, applicants also need to provide original or certified copies of documentation proving their identity and foreign status.
In terms of submitting an ITIN application, you generally have three options, which include: (1) by mail, (2) in-person at an ITIN acceptance agent, or (3) at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Additionally, there are many private services available to assist you with the process of obtaining an ITIN. In most cases, these services refer to themselves as an “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Center” (ITIN Center).
While these ITIN-related services are typically only offered by a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), they each charge their own fees for the services they provide. So, it’s important to carefully review the services and fees being offered before choosing a provider.
ITIN Expiry
It’s important to note that even after you receive an ITIN, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to keep it. This is because ITINs expire if they are not used within three years of the original notice date on the CP565 Notice you receive from the IRS confirming your ITIN.
ITIN Renewal
With this in mind, if you still require your ITIN and you have not used it within this three-year period, you may be required to submit an ITIN renewal. However, ITIN renewal is not always required, depending on the purpose of obtaining the ITIN and your future reporting obligations.
In order to confirm whether you need to renew your ITIN, you should review the IRS website or speak with a qualified professional to help you assess your situation correctly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people looking into an ITIN application. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What Documents Do You Need For an ITIN Number?
The documents you need for an ITIN number application include documents that prove your identity and your foreign status. The IRS provides a long list of documents that meet these requirements. However, only a foreign passport is able to prove both identity and foreign status. If you do not wish (or are unable) to use a passport, you can submit two of the other available options. These options include a national identification card, a birth certificate, a foreign driver’s license, and other accepted alternatives.
How Can a Non-US Citizen Get an ITIN Number?
A non-US citizen can get an ITIN by completing the ITIN application process. The application process involves submitting the completed Form W-7 along with proof of identity and foreign status to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Can I Request an ITIN Number Online?
No, you cannot directly request an ITIN number online from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Instead, you will need to complete Form W-7, provide proof of identity and foreign status, and use one of the available methods for submission, which include by mail, in person with an ITIN acceptance agent, or at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
How Long Does It Take to Get an ITIN Number?
The length of time to get an ITIN number varies, usually lasting between seven and eleven weeks. The primary factor determining how long it takes to get an ITIN is when you submit your application. If you choose to submit your ITIN during the peak tax season, it will likely take 11 weeks.
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