You can make the ITIN application in a few steps, & in approximately 8–12 weeks, you can have it. Discover all you need to do it right, and when you need this tax ID number.

What is an ITIN Application?

ITIN is the “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number,” a federal tax identification and processing number that the IRS issues.

Foreigners use it when they do not meet the requirements to have a social security number (SSN) and need to submit a federal tax return.

An ITIN is a nine-digit account number (same as a social security number) that you must request only through the IRS.

The ITIN is an issue regardless of immigration status since both residents and foreigners have the tax obligation to file returns and tax payments.

Is there a fee for getting a Taxpayer Identification Number in the ITIN Application?

Applying for an ITIN is free!

The cost of submitting an ITIN application is zero if you make the process yourself.

On the other hand, some agents will do the whole process for you, but they do charge a fee. How much they charge will depend on the agent.

When Should You Apply for an ITIN?

If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN), you may need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You should apply for an ITIN if you:

• require to file a federal tax return but do not have an SSN
• have a filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code
• file a joint tax return with your spouse who does not have an SSN (but you do)
• have investment income (such as interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.) for which you need to file a tax return
• are claiming refunds based on treaties
• want to claim certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the child tax credit
• are a nonresident alien who is required to file a return for estate or gift taxes
• are a nonresident alien student, professor, or researcher

ITIN Requirements

Before filling out your application, you must have at least one of the following:

• identification card
• driver’s license from the US or your country of origin passport
• an official birth certificate for children under 18
• ID Card of a US state, visa, American or foreign military card.

What Documents Are Needed For an ITIN?

The number of documents you need for an ITIN number application is minimal.

• a valid form of ID
• form W-7
• your current federal tax return

Who Can Apply for an ITIN Number?

You may need an ITIN number if you are a non-resident alien:

• required to file a US tax return
• who is filing a US return as a joint filer with a US citizen or resident spouse
• claiming a tax treaty benefit
• that is, a student, professor, or researcher filing a US return
  

A dependent or spouse of a:

• US citizen/resident alien
• a non-resident alien visa holder
• Or a US resident alien (based on days present in the US) who is filing a return with a US citizen or resident spouse.

How Long Does It Take To Get an ITIN?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can issue an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) within six weeks if you apply using the correct process and provide all the necessary documentation.

However, processing times may vary depending on the time of year and the IRS’ workload.

You can check the status of your application online or by calling the IRS.

If you need your ITIN faster, you can request expedited processing when you submit your application.

You will need to provide proof of why you need your ITIN quickly.

The IRS may take up to two weeks to process an expedited request.

How to Get an Itin Number: 5 Steps

If you wonder how to file for an ITIN number, we will explain all you need to do for the application step by step.

Fill out the ITIN number application form (W-7)

To start, you will use a Form W7 ITIN application (“Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number”):

• Form W-7
• Form W 7 ITIN Application (Spanish)

Follow the W-7 instructions to avoid errors.

You must complete all the information requested in the form. If this is the first time you request the ITIN, you must accompany this document with others who may specify the ITIN application form, depending on your case.

Include your Federal Income Tax Return

You need to apply for an ITIN to be able to file a tax return as an immigrant in the US. Luckily, you can process both at the same time. When you are ready to file your tax return, first complete Form W-7 as indicated above, then attach your tax return with your application.

If you qualify for one of the exceptions and do not need to file a tax return, send only your ITIN application form and the required documents to prove that you meet the requirements of that exception.

Check your identity

To complete your ITIN application, you must include original documents or certificates that prove your identity as a foreigner, such as those mentioned in step 1.

Checking the identity is essential for the IRS because there’s always the risk that some people provide false data to obtain the ITIN. You must comply with all requirements to be eligible to get it.

Submit your ITIN application

You can send your ITIN number application by regular mail or hand it in person.

Since your tax return is only an attachment to your ITIN application, you should not send these two documents to the address indicated on Forms 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.

Instead, you must send your tax return, your Form W-7, and your proof of identity to this address:

Internal Revenue Service

Austin Service Center

ITIN Operation

P.O. Box 149342

Austin, TX 78714-9342

If you want to hand in your ITIN application documents in person, you can go to any Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC). There, you also can verify the original documents and the certified copies.

In the TAC, the IRS will return the IRS ITIN application documents to you immediately. Keep in mind that the service provided in these centers is by appointment: you can program it by calling your local TAC.

You can’t submit an ITIN application online.

Wait for the ITIN to arrive

One of the most frequent questions is, “how long does ITIN take to arrive?” If all the documentation is in order and complete, the time is six weeks.

How to check my ITIN status online

Maybe it’s been six weeks, and your ITIN number hasn’t arrived. If so, you can call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040 to ask about your ITIN application status. And an agent will help you with the information about your application.

Remember: You cannot apply for an itin number online, and also you can’t check if it’s ready through the web.

Read about what things you can do with an ITIN.

What is an ITIN number?

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is available to applicants who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).

The individuals who use an ITIN are those:

• Are not eligible to obtain an SSN; and
• Need to file a U.S. tax return

ITIN application is important because it allows undocumented immigrants with no social security number to file their tax returns to comply with federal and state tax laws.

Most importantly, it allows undocumented immigrants to create a business entity to earn income in the US and receive business licenses.

This is crucial if you want your small business to be thriving.

Also, you can use your Individual Tax Identification Number to apply for business loans. It’s important to know that not all lenders accept this number, so ask your preferred lender if you can apply with an ITIN

Benefits of Having an ITIN

You can pay taxes

Having an ITIN number is a necessary tool if you have to file tax returns.

Without this number, you don’t meet the requirements to file a tax return. This can have serious legal implications: therefore, if you want to declare taxes and you don’t have a social security number or an ITIN, you must obtain social security as possible.

You can open a bank account

Although this does not apply to all US states, an ITIN number can facilitate opening an account at several banks.

This way, you will have the option to enjoy the advantages of an account, such as saving and starting a business.

Here is a guide on How to open a bank account without an SSN.

You can build a credit history

You can apply for loans and credit cards with itin number. With this, you can establish a credit history that will benefit you in the future.

With your ITIN, you can also apply for a mortgage loan and ultimately comply with some laws of the United States.

You can apply for a business loan

Keep in mind that most lenders will require a Social Security Number when you apply for a business loan.

But with some lenders, you could get business loans even if you only have an ITIN.

A small business loan can help you grow your business and empower you so you can keep building generational wealth for your family.

How to Check if an ITIN Expired

Does an ITIN Expire?

The IRS policy states that Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers will expire if not used on a federal tax return for five consecutive years.

In other words, the IRS will not deactivate your ITIN if you have been using it on at least one tax return in the past five years, and it will remain in effect as long as you continue using it to file US tax returns.

This policy applies to any ITIN, and its purpose is to ensure that anyone who legitimately uses an ITIN for tax purposes can continue to do so.

Discover here if you have to renew your ITIN

Who Needs to Renew? Why Should I Renew My ITIN?

There are a few different situations where you might need to change an expired ITIN.

• One is if it’s been more than five years since you last used it on a tax return.
• Another is if the IRS has issued you a new Social Security number
• And finally, if the information on your ITIN number has changed (for example, if you got married and changed your name).

How to Renew My ITIN Number

You can easily reapply using W-7 Form and follow the same process we explained above if you have to activate your ITIN and file a federal tax return.

Remember that attached to the ITIN application form, you will have to submit all the required documents again.

How Long Does It Take To Renew an ITIN?

It can take up to 9 weeks to renew an ITIN. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will need time to process the renewal application and verify the applicant’s identity and eligibility.

Complete an ITIN Application and Grow your Immigrant Business

You can apply for a business loan with an ITIN number from Camino Financial because we want to help you start or boost your business in the United States.

If you already have your ITIN, don’t wait any longer to grow your business. With Camino Financial, you can get loans that are affordable and tailored o your needs.