ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number)

What if I do not have SSN for my spouse and dependents?
If you do not have an SSN and are not eligible to obtain an SSN for your spouse & dependents, then you have to apply for an ITIN.

How do I apply for an ITIN?
You can apply for ITIN along with the tax return. Please send us the relevant documents and schedule an appointment for further details.

What documents are acceptable as proof of identity and foreign status?
IRS streamlined the number of documents the agency accepts as proof of identity and foreign status to obtain an ITIN. There are 13 acceptable documents. Each document must be current and contain an expiration date. IRS will accept documents issued within 12 months of the application if no expiration date is normally available. Documents must also show your name and photograph, and support your claim of foreign status. Below is the list of the only acceptable documents:

• Passport (standalone document)
• National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)
• U.S. driver’s license
• Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 years of age)
• Foreign driver’s license
• U.S. state identification card
• Foreign voter’s registration card
• U.S. military identification card
• Foreign military identification card
• Visa
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
• Medical records (dependents only – under 14, under 18 if a student)
• School records (dependents only – under 14, under 18 if a student)

What is the difference between a ‘certified’ and a ‘notarized’ document?
A certified document is one that the original issuing agency provides and certifies as an exact copy of the original document and contains an official stamped seal from the Agency. These documents will be accepted. 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. These documents will not be accepted for ITIN applications.

Will the IRS return my original documents to me? How long will it take to get them back?
The IRS currently receives original documents with some applications and we have a process in place to ensure that documents are returned to applicants. The original and certified documents will be returned to applicants using the mailing address on the application via postage paid standard U.S. mail within 60 days of receipt and processing of the Form W-7.

Whom should I contact if I do not receive the documents within the allotted period?
If you do not receive your original documents within 65 days of mailing to the IRS, allowing 5 days for postal mail receipt, you may call 1-800-908-9982 (U.S. only) or for international, call 1-267-941-1000 (this is not a toll free number).