To apply for or renew an ITIN, you’ll need to fill out IRS Form W-7. For a summary of those rules, please see the new Form W-7 and its instructions. Remitly is on a mission to make international money transfers faster, easier, more transparent, and more affordable. Since 2011, millions of people have used Remitly to send money with peace of mind.
ITINs are nine-digit numbers that the IRS issues to certain people who don’t have—and don’t qualify for—an SSN. If you do not want to apply for a PTIN online, use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application. IRS.gov has a wealth of useful audit and it audit for dummies information about the process for non-residents. They also have special resources for international students, military members, and others. Once you apply for an ITIN, you can expect to hear from the IRS about the status of your application within seven weeks. If you have or are eligible to obtain a social security number, you are not eligible for an ITIN.
- ITINs can be renewed using the same W-7 form you used to apply for the number in the first place.
- Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
- A Social Security number is only issued for citizens and qualifying resident aliens, such as green card holders.
ITIN holders pay taxes.
You can do this with an SSN or an ITIN, but some banks will also accept other forms of ID. These might include a passport number or other government-issued ID number. 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.
Original documents you submit will be returned to you at the mailing address shown on your Form W-7. Applicants are permitted to include a prepaid Express Mail or courier envelope for faster return delivery of their documents. The IRS will then return the documents in the envelope provided by the applicant. People who aren’t U.S. citizens still may have to file a federal tax return in the U.S.
You will receive a letter from the sales general and administrative vs cost of goods sold IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within seven weeks if you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete. You will only file a tax return to the address above once, when you file Form W-7 to get an ITIN. In subsequent years, when you have an ITIN, you will file your tax return as directed in the form instructions. If your ITIN has expired—which can happen if it hasn’t been used on a tax return in the past three years—you’ll have to renew it.
More In Credits & Deductions
And now that you know more about how ITINs work and who may need one, you might be curious to learn more about what taxes are, how to file taxes and what happens if you don’t pay your taxes. As long as you qualify for a refund, and you have filed your taxes correctly, then yes. ITIN holders are no different from SSN holders when it comes to getting a tax refund. The IRS clarifies that you need either an ITIN or an SSN to get the Child Tax Credit. Of course, you’ll only receive that credit if meet the other reporting requirements for it. You may be able to request a certified copy of documents at an embassy or consulate.
ITIN vs. SSN: What are the key differences?
As the name implies, an ITIN is a dedicated tax ID number that allows individuals to report their earnings, expenses and deductions to the IRS. These unique numbers are reserved for U.S. taxpayers who are unable to obtain a traditional Social Security number. Note, however, that having an ITIN doesn’t necessarily qualify one to work or reside in the United States. To prevent delays, make sure you’ve provided the correct information and sent all the required supporting documentation. Incomplete or incorrect applications may take a guide to liquidity in accounting longer to process.
Foreign Tax Credit: Choosing to take credit or deduction
Once you receive your ITIN, the IRS requires you to revalidate it every five years. If you don’t use your ITIN for three consecutive years, it will expire. ITIN holders do not qualify for such Social Security benefits.
You must also include original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to prove identity and foreign status. If they can’t get an SSN, the IRS says spouses or dependents of nonresident or resident aliens also typically need ITINs. That’s because they might either have to file their own federal tax returns or be identified on the nonresident or resident tax returns. If you need to renew your ITIN, you’ll follow the same process as applying for a new ITIN.
