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ITIN applications, prepared with care
We help people outside the US prepare Form W-7, gather the right identity documents and choose how to submit them, so your application reaches the IRS complete.
- Nine-digit number that starts with 9
- For federal tax purposes only
- The IRS charges no fee
A tax processing number for people who have US tax obligations but can’t get a Social Security number.
The IRS issues ITINs so that people without an SSN can file US tax returns, be listed on someone else’s return, or claim tax treaty benefits. It’s always nine digits and starts with the number 9.
An ITIN is only used for federal tax reporting. It’s linked to you personally, not to a business. If you own a US company, the company uses its own EIN.
- ×It doesn’t give you permission to work in the US
- ×It doesn’t make you eligible for Social Security benefits
- ×It doesn’t change your immigration status
Common reasons people apply for an ITIN
Form W-7 asks you to choose the reason that fits your situation. These are the ones we see most often.
Filing a US tax return
Non-residents with US income they must report to the IRS, including some owners of US businesses.
Claiming a treaty benefit
Non-residents who qualify for a reduced rate or exemption under a US tax treaty.
Spouses and dependents
Some spouses and dependents of US citizens or residents who are listed on a federal return.
US resident for tax purposes
People treated as US residents for tax because of days spent in the US, without an SSN.
Students and researchers
Some non-resident students, professors and researchers with a filing requirement.
Renewing an expired ITIN
An ITIN not used on a federal return for three consecutive years expires and must be renewed before use.
We prepare your W-7 and check it with you
Most ITIN delays come from missing information or the wrong supporting documents. We go through each part of the form with you before anything is sent.
Reason for applying
We help you pick the reason that matches your situation and gather what that reason requires.
Personal and foreign details
Names, dates, addresses, citizenship and foreign tax ID, written exactly as they appear on your documents.
Tax return or exception
Most W-7s are sent with a federal tax return. If an exception applies, we explain what the IRS expects instead.
Final review
You review and sign the completed form. Nothing is submitted without your approval.
The identity documents the IRS accepts
Your documents must prove both your identity and your foreign status. You send us a colour scan and a selfie with your passport — an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent verifies them, so your original stays with you.
A valid passport
For most applicants, a current passport is the only document that proves identity and foreign status on its own. Some dependents also need extra proof of US residence.
No passport? Use a combination
At least two current documents that together show your name, photo and foreign status, such as:
- National identity card with photo, name, address and date of birth
- Foreign driver’s licence
- Birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 without a passport)
- US visa, or other documents on the IRS list
Keep your original passport
You never mail your passport. An IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) verifies your documents for the IRS.
What you send us
A clear colour scan of your passport (all pages with your details) and a selfie holding your passport next to your face. Upload them in your portal or send them on WhatsApp.
From first message to IRS decision
- 1
Tell us your situation
We confirm whether you may need an ITIN and which W-7 reason applies.
- 2
Plan your documents
We agree which identity documents you’ll use and how they’ll be verified.
- 3
We prepare Form W-7
Along with the federal tax return or the exception documents your reason requires.
- 4
You review and sign
You check every detail. Nothing goes to the IRS without your signature.
- 5
Submit by your chosen route
By mail to the IRS, in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, or through an Acceptance Agent.
- 6
The IRS decides
If approved, the IRS mails your ITIN letter. If it needs more information, it writes to you and we help you respond.
Good to know before you apply
- The IRS alone reviews and approves ITIN applications. We can’t guarantee approval or that every applicant qualifies.
- Processing times are set by the IRS and change through the year.
- An ITIN that isn’t used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years expires.
- You can apply directly with the IRS free of charge. Our fee covers preparation and guidance.
Non-residents filing a return
You have US income and must file Form 1040-NR.
Treaty claims
You want a reduced US tax rate under a tax treaty.
Spouses and dependents
You are listed on a US citizen’s or resident’s tax return.
Wrong reason box
Choosing the wrong reason on Form W-7 leads to rejection.
Plain photocopies
The IRS needs originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
No tax return
Most applications must include the federal return that needs the ITIN.
ITIN services
- New ITIN application (Form W-7)$149
- ITIN renewal$149
- ITIN + 1040-NR Best value$189
The IRS charges no fee for an ITIN. Our fee covers preparation, checking and guidance.
What you need for ITIN
Prepare these before you apply. Exact requirements depend on your situation, and we confirm them with you.
Documents
- A clear colour scan of your passport (all pages with your details)
- A selfie holding your passport next to your face
- Your federal tax return, unless an IRS exception applies
- For dependents, extra proof of US residence in some cases
Information you’ll provide
- Full name, date and place of birth
- Country of citizenship and foreign tax ID
- Foreign and mailing addresses
- The reason you need an ITIN
- US visa details, if any
- You never mail your passport. An IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) verifies your documents for the IRS.
- No passport? Two other current IDs (for example a national ID card and birth certificate) can be used — we tell you what fits.
- Upload documents securely in your client portal or send them to us on WhatsApp.
Let’s get your ITIN application right
Send us your details and we’ll reply by email with the next steps.