Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Internal Revenue Service

This will prevent you from having to mail your proof of identity and foreign status documents. At Keeper, we’re on a mission to help people overcome the complexity of taxes. We’ve provided this information for educational purposes, and it does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice. If you would like a tax expert to clarify it for you, feel free to sign up for Keeper. Sarah is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS and a former staff writer at transaction account Keeper.

When should I apply?

If the dependent is a minor, the documentation must establish the relationship between the dependent and the representative signing the application on the dependent’s behalf. This could include a birth certificate, adoption papers, or other court-appointed papers showing legal guardianship. While Keeper doesn’t currently support W-7 filings, our tax filing service is quick and easy. With just a few clicks, you can electronically file your taxes with the IRS to ensure the fastest possible processing times. They won’t officially begin accepting tax returns before then, so keep an eye out for this announcement.

Examples of individuals who need an ITIN

An exclusive list of documents that are acceptable for this purpose is included in the Instructions for Form W-7. Once the package is assembled, attach the Form W-7 to the front of your first-ever US federal income tax return, along with the supporting documents. Be sure to take a selfie for sentimental purposes (optional step). You can leave all the tax ID numbers on your 1040 tax return blank. Once your ITIN is assigned, you’ll use it in those boxes on future returns.

1. No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund.
2. However, if you’re living abroad and have adopted a foreign child or have had a foreign child legally placed in your home pending an adoption, that child may be eligible for an ITIN.
3. You may either mail the documentation, along with the Form W-7, to the address shown in the Form W-7 Instructions, present it at IRS walk-in offices, or process your application through an Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS.

In 2022, she was named one of CPA Practice Advisor’s 20 Under 40 Top Influencers in the field of accounting. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, Money Under 30, Best Life, GOBankingRates, and Shopify. Sarah has spent nearly a decade in public accounting and has extensive experience offering strategic tax planning at the state and federal level. In her spare time, she is a devoted cat mom and enjoys hiking, painting, and overwatering her houseplants. If you qualify for an exception, then file Form W-7 with your proof of identity and foreign status documents and supporting documentation for the exception. However, if you’re living abroad and have adopted a foreign child or have had a foreign child legally placed in your home pending an adoption, that child may be eligible for an ITIN.

Option 2

Processing your ITIN application takes several weeks, so expect longer than normal delays for your tax return to be processed. That being said, the price will vary depending on where you live and whether the CAA prepares your tax return as well. If this has happened to you, locate the IRSN number on the letter you received from the IRS and list it under box 6f.

They can also help you fill out the Form W-7 completely — and even prepare your tax return for you. Be sure to enter your date of birth in the order listed on the form — month first, followed by date, and then year at the end. All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Acceptance Agents are entities (colleges, financial institutions, accounting firms, etc.) who are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs. They review the applicant’s documentation and forward the completed Form W-7 to IRS for processing.

Or, get unlimited help and advice from tax experts while you do your taxes with TurboTax Live Assisted. And if you want to file your own taxes, you can still feel confident you’ll do them right with TurboTax as we guide you step by step. No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund. You should expect to hear back from the IRS about your approval status after no more than seven weeks — look for a letter in the mail with your ITIN when your application is approved.