How to Get an Individual Tax ID Number ITIN and Why You Need One

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). A certified document is one that the original issuing agency provides and 1040 income tax calculator certifies as an exact copy of the original document and contains an official stamped seal from the Agency. A notarized document is one that the taxpayer provides to a public notary who bears witness to the signing of the official document and affixes a seal assuring that the document is legitimate.

Q15: Can I submit copies of my identification documents with my Form W-7?

1. To help the agency keep track of the millions of filers every year, each taxpayer needs a unique tax ID number on their return.
2. We are taking every action to minimize delays, and we are processing requests in the order they were received.
3. Original documents you submit will be returned to you at the mailing address shown on your Form W-7.
4. Sending important documents makes most people feel uneasy.
5. Applicants are permitted to include a prepaid Express Mail or courier envelope for faster return delivery of their documents.
6. You can use the phone number listed on the notice to call with any questions.

If you need more time to file, though, you can always submit a tax extension giving you six additional months to file. As a rule, you can’t submit your W-7 package without attaching it to a tax return. If your dependent doesn’t live in Canada or Mexico, their passport doesn’t list a date of entry, they’ll need an extra document to prove they actually have residency in the US. The process could cost as little as $30 or as much as $400. That being said, the price will vary depending on where you live and whether the CAA prepares your tax return as well. They can also help you fill out the Form W-7 completely — and even prepare your tax return for you.

Who doesn’t need an ITIN

You can mail the W-7 and documentation to the address in the Form W-7 Instructions. 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. The IRS releases the tax season’s start date every year. 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.

Q6: Which ITINs are subject to expire at the end of 2021?

You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year when you have a filing or reporting requirement. At a minimum, you should complete Form W-7 when you are ready to file your federal income tax return by the return’s prescribed due date. If the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the return’s due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties. While Keeper doesn’t currently support W-7 filings, our tax filing service is quick and easy.

Q18: What should I do if I submitted my ITIN renewal request before the end of 2021 and did not receive my ITIN?

With just a few clicks, you can electronically file your taxes with the IRS to ensure the fastest possible processing times. Sarah is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS and a former staff writer at Keeper. In 2022, she was named one of CPA Practice Advisor’s 20 Under 40 Top Influencers in the field of accounting. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, Money Under 30, Best Life, GOBankingRates, and Shopify. Sarah has spent nearly a decade in public accounting and has extensive experience offering strategic tax planning at the state and federal level. In her spare time, she is a devoted cat mom and enjoys hiking, painting, and overwatering her houseplants.

Assuming you qualify for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (and you follow the W-7 form instructions correctly), you should receive an ITIN within seven weeks. But due to potential processing delays, it’s advisable that you add some extra wiggle room. This is especially true if you’re mailing your ITIN application to the U.S. from overseas as an expat or non-resident.

They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it. USA.gov is the new centralized place for finding government benefits for health care, housing, food, unemployment, and more. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

If neither option supplies an answer, you might have to resubmit your application and tax return. 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.

You can use the phone number listed on the notice to call with any questions. The good news is, they’re reaching out to you before rejecting your request for an ITIN. You’ll have 45 days to respond with new records, following the instructions in your letter. Under box 6e, indicate whether you’ve been issued an ITIN before, and list the number in box 6f. Be sure to enter your date of birth in the order listed on the form — month first, followed by date, and then year at the end.