ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number)

What if I do not have an SSN for my spouse and dependents?

If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) and are ineligible to obtain one for your spouse and dependents, you will need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

How do I apply for an ITIN?

You can apply for an ITIN along with your tax return. Please send us the necessary documents and schedule an appointment for further assistance.

What documents are acceptable as proof of identity and foreign status?

The IRS has streamlined the list of documents acceptable as proof of identity and foreign status for ITIN applications. There are 13 approved documents, each of which must be current and include an expiration date. If the document does not have an expiration date, it will be accepted if issued within 12 months of the application. All documents must show your name, photograph, and confirm your foreign status. Below is a 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, accompanied by an official stamped seal from the agency. These documents are acceptable for ITIN applications.

A notarized document is one that the taxpayer provides to a public notary, who witnesses the signing of the document and affixes a seal to affirm its authenticity. However, notarized documents are not accepted for ITIN applications.

Will the IRS return my original documents to me? How long will it take to get them back?

The IRS accepts original documents with some applications and has a process in place to return them to applicants. The original and certified documents will be mailed back to the applicant’s address via standard U.S. mail, typically 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 have not received your original documents within 65 days of mailing them to the IRS (allowing 5 days for postal receipt), you may contact the IRS at 1-800-908-9982 (U.S. only), or for international inquiries, call 1-267-941-1000 (this is not a toll-free number).