Choose whether you’re applying or renewingIn the very first section, you’ll be prompted to mark whether you’re renewing an ITIN you already have or applying for a new one. The same rule of thumb goes for your dependents and your spouse. If you aren’t claiming them on your tax return, there’s no reason for them to get an ITIN number. You will need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card PDF. You also must submit evidence of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. For more information please see the Social Security Administration website.
Who doesn’t need an ITIN
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. If you already have an ITIN but fail to submit a U.S. tax return in any given calendar year, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may expire. If this happens, you’ll need to resubmit all your materials – along with your most recently completed U.S. federal tax return.
Q7: Should spouses and dependents renew their ITINs?
- The discussion of allowable tax benefits has been expanded.
- If you will need your original documents for any purpose within this processing timeframe, you may wish to apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or CAA.
- Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
- Certifying Acceptance Agents and many Taxpayer Assistance Centers, discussed below, may also certify certain documents.
Assuming you qualify for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (and you follow the W-7 form instructions correctly), you should receive an ITIN within seven weeks. But due to potential processing delays, it’s advisable that you add some extra wiggle room. This is especially true if you’re mailing your ITIN application to the U.S. from overseas as an expat or non-resident. Apply for an ITIN in-person using the services of an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
How to file your federal tax return using an ITIN
If the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the return’s due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties. In lieu of sending original documentation, you may use an IRS authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) or make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) location. To find a local CAA in your area, you can visit membership dues definition and meaning Acceptance Agent Program. CAAs can authenticate all the identification documents for the primary and secondary applicant. For dependents, they can authenticate the passport and civil birth certificate; however, they must send the original or certified copies of all other documents directly to the IRS. 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.
You may also choose to submit certified copies from the issuing agency instead. Original documents you submit will be returned to you at the mailing address shown on your Form W-7. Applicants are permitted to include a prepaid Express Mail or courier envelope for faster return delivery of their documents. The IRS will then return the documents in the envelope provided by the applicant.
All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement. 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. For people who want to be granted US citizenship or permanent legal residence, filing a tax return is an important first step in demonstrating your “moral character” to the government. And acquiring an ITIN allows anyone — including nonresidents and undocumented immigrants — to file and pay their taxes. If none of the in-person options work for you, you can still submit your application by mail.
How to apply for an ITIN
You don’t need to have your ITIN to submit a tax extension. As a rule, you can’t submit your W-7 package without attaching it to a tax return. If your dependent doesn’t live in Canada or Mexico, their passport doesn’t list a date of entry, they’ll need an extra document to prove they actually have residency in the US. They can also help you fill out the Form W-7 completely — and even prepare your tax return for you.