ITIN number, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is the nine digit number explicitly used for federal tax reporting in the United States. IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is responsible for issuing these numbers to individuals who are not eligible for the SSN (Social Security Number).

Purpose of ITIN Number

As mentioned earlier, the sole purpose of ITIN number is efficient tax administration to deal with individuals’ tax returns and payments. Point to note is that an ITIN does not give SSN benefits, EIC (Earned Income Credit) or changes your immigration status. A resident or nonresident, both can have an ITIN as long as he/she has certain tax implications. Unlike the SSN which is only issued to the U.S. residents.

Who Can Apply for an ITIN Number?

There is a whole list of individuals who can or need an ITIN number such as:

  • A nonresident alien required to file a U.S. tax return
    • A U.S. resident alien (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return
    • A dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien
    • A dependent or spouse of a nonresident alien visa holder etc.

Ways to Apply for an ITIN Number

There are three ways to apply for ITIN number. You either do it in-person, apply online or via CAA.

-In-Person

If you want to file for an ITIN number in-person then you can simply visit the nearby IRS office and ask them for a W-7 form. You’re supposed to fill out the form, attach your tax return and documents to prove your identity. Those documents must be certified by the issuing agency. Once done with the form and everything, you can mail them to the IRS.

-Online

Another way to apply for an ITIN number is to do it online. You can visit a website like http://www.itin-gov.us/ and simply follow the steps. Everything is mentioned there, instructions to Form W-7, supporting documentation to ITIN number Form W-7 checklist. You can begin by going through the straightforward instructions and gather the documents that are required. Fill out the form and have a final look at the checklist in case you’re missing something. You can also apply for ITIN number online going to www.itinnumberonline.com.

-CAA

Last but not the least you can get help from a Certified Acceptance Agent. These agents are authorized by IRS so the point where you previously had to get the documents certified is no more your problem. Your agent will explain you everything and will ask for your original documents and tax return. He/she will then review them and verify them and once done with the verification, your agent will give a green signal to the IRS confirming that yes the documents are valid and the tax return is accurate.

Further Assistance

Whatever method you pick, there’s always room for further assistance. ITIN application process is not rigid and makes sure the applicants understand the procedure well and get all the help they need. For any questions, you can always call on their toll free number. If this is not enough, a meeting can also be arranged by IRS where you can clear all your doubts. Although usually when an individual is doing it via CAA, there is little that can go wrong. Remember as long as there’s nothing illegal going on, you can and will get the type of assistance you need.

If you want to apply for an, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN tax number and have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at 888-509-3616. If you have any suggestions please share those with us as well. Freedomtax ITIN Number has a professional team of IRS Certifying Acceptance Agents, and tax accounting professionals with more than 16 years of experience, helping immigrants with their ITIN application. Freedomtax can also help immigrant entrepreneurs incorporate a business in the USA. Freedomtax ITIN Tax Number Online services provides Quality, Professional Service with a Family Feel.


Was this post useful?

Share