If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, learn how to get and use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a federal tax return. A Social Security number is only issued for citizens and qualifying resident aliens, such as green card holders. This number keeps track of the years you’ve worked in the U.S. and your lifetime earnings. Assuming you qualify for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (and you follow the sales anduse tax in california 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.

Q7: Should spouses and dependents renew their ITINs?

And ITINs are the tax processing and identification numbers that let people who can’t get an SSN do just that. Plus, people might also be able to use ITINs instead of SSNs as part of banking and credit applications. According to the IRS, accounts payable turnover ratio formula example interpretation an alien is defined as someone who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. national.

If you’re unsure whether you need an ITIN, check with your employer. This fact sheet explains what ITINs are, who has them, and the purposes for which they are used. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it. USA.gov is the new centralized place for finding government benefits for health care, housing, food, unemployment, and more. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Q10: Is an ITIN considered to be issued when the ITIN application and accompanying return are received?

However, services may vary between countries, so we recommend that you contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for specific information. The IRS has an online tool to determine if someone is eligible to receive an ITIN. Before using the tool, it’s a good idea to have some information on hand, like the reason you might need an ITIN and what type of visa—if any—you have. There’s also a comprehensive IRS tax guide with FAQs and links to the proper tax forms.

How to file your federal tax return using an ITIN

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. If you’re a US citizen who regularly files taxes, you likely have a Social Security number. But if you’re a non-citizen, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) still expects you to report taxes every year — for which you’ll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws. It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS. A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS.

1. Like Social Security numbers, the ITIN is also nine digits long.
2. To find a local CAA in your area, you can visit Acceptance Agent Program.
3. Beginning January 1, 2011, if you are a paid tax preparer you must use a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on returns you prepare.
4. However, services may vary between countries, so we recommend that you contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for specific information.
5. The IRS will then return the documents in the envelope provided by the applicant.
6. People who aren’t U.S. citizens still may have to file a federal tax return in the U.S.

In lieu of sending original documentation, you may use an IRS authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent onsite tax attorneys in los angeles (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 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.