A nine digit Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN tax number, is issued to U.S. resident or nonresidents for the purpose of federal reporting. An individual does not need an ITIN tax number if he/she has a Social Security number, ever had a Social Security Number or was once eligible for the Social Security Number.

ITIN tax number does not give an individual SSN (Social Security Number) benefits, change the immigration status or EIC (Earned Income Credit). It’s only used for tracking individuals who have certain tax implications and this number basically helps administer the tax returns and payments efficiently.

U.S. residents and nonresidents, both are eligible for an ITIN tax number that’s because technically they both have/can have tax implications. Individuals who are U.S. residents can easily apply for the ITIN tax number by visiting an IRS center and getting a W-7 form. After filling out the form, correct tax return has to be attached as well as the original documents to prove identity.

If you’re a nonresident then there’s nothing you need to worry about. IRS makes sure every applicant has the easy route in. IRS has permanent staff available at the U.S embassies overseas including Beijing, Frankfurt, London and Paris. The staff provides full assistance to any foreigner who is filing a ITIN tax number W-7 form.

If you want contact numbers or if you want to visit them, you can get addresses and the phone numbers at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-Internationally. And if you’re looking for Certified Acceptance Agents overseas then you can visit http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Acceptance-Agent-Program. (these agents are authorized by the IRS and will give assurance to IRS on your behalf)

IRS has flexible terms and conditions for the nonresidents and hence it accepts the ITIN tax number W7 form by mail as long as the applicant attaches the original documents or certified copy of the documents from the issuing agency. IRS would need a valid proof of identity to make sure that yes xyz applicant is a nonresident and is foreigner.

There is a list of documents that can be used to prove foreign residency status.

  • National identification card
  • S. driver’s license
  • Civil birth certificate
  • Foreign driver’s license
  • S. state identification card
  • Foreign voter’s registration card
  • S. military identification card
  • Foreign military identification card
  • Visa
  • S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
  • Medical records
  • School records

If an individual is submitting his/her passport then there is no need for the second document because a passport alone provides proof of your identity and foreign status. Otherwise submitting two documents and at least one of them with a photograph is mandatory.

As far as certification of these documents is concerned, IRS will accept either one of them:

-Authorized by the government agency (foreign/domestic) responsible for issuing the documents.
-Authorized by the employees of the U.S. State Department located in U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

Final Word

Applying for an ITIN tax number either from within the United States or overseas shouldn’t be an issue as long as you understand the procedure and requirements. Whether you’re applying in-person, online or via CAA, rule of thumb is to follow a checklist. This checklist will keep you focused and you’re unlikely to miss anything. Last but not the last, do your homework and go through this link http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Individual-Taxpayer-Identification-Number-(ITIN). This IRS website has answer to all your questions regarding ITIN tax number. It provides detailed explanation about the procedure, rules & regulations and guidelines.

If you have any questions and need more information feel free to contact us or comment below.

If you want to apply for an 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.

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