Other reasons to obtain an ITIN is if you will be included on the tax return of someone else and you do not have and are ineligible to obtain an SSN. You’re welcome to call the main IRS phone number Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. The agency’s average telephone service wait time is three minutes during filing season (January through April) and 11 minutes during the off-season (May through December). As an independent changes in accounting methods from cash to modified cash organization within the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service helps taxpayers resolve problems and recommends changes that will prevent problems. Learn more about tracking the status of your tax refund.

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How to apply for an ITIN

1. For professional advice, please consult with a licensed tax professional with experience in nonresident taxes or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
2. Not all IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers can process ITINs, so be sure to locate an office that is able to assist with the ITIN application process.
3. While it is possible to apply for an ITIN and file your federal income tax return at the same time, it is easier to have it beforehand.
4. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court.
5. However, services may vary between countries, so we recommend that you contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for specific information.

Below are links to some of the digital services offered by the IRS. You’ll generally need to schedule an appointment beforehand, but walk-in assistance may be available in some areas. If you have a question about any of the topics below, one of these lesser-known IRS phone numbers might get you to help faster. We’ve also included links to our articles on a number of topics, which might save you a call. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website.

Whom should I contact if I do not receive the documents within the allotted period? (updated September 10,

Primary, secondary and dependent individuals may submit W-7 applications in person (with original documents) at designated IRS TACs. The TACs will certify only original passports and national ID cards. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you. You will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within seven weeks if you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete. Earlier this summer, the IRS mailed a CP-48 notice to those affected taxpayers.

IRS customer service hours

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. 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.

ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status, as both resident and non-resident foreigners may have a requirement to file tax returns per the Internal Revenue Code. If none of the in-person options work for you, you what does llc mean a definition can still submit your application by mail. We strongly suggest that you get certified copies of all your documents instead of sending originals. We also suggest you send the application and documents by certified mail so you’ll have evidence of when you filed the application and where you sent it. The advantage to using CAAs is that for primary and secondary applicants (like a spouse), the CAA can certify that your documents are original and make copies to send to the IRS.

The IRS will then return the documents in the envelope provided by the applicant. IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws, and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for Social Security numbers. They are issued regardless of immigration status, because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code. ITINs do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting.

Once the ITIN is renewed, the applicable credits and deductions will be reinstated, and refunds will be issued. Taxpayers have the option to renew ITINs for their direct mail fundraising best practices entire family at the same time. Those who have received a letter of renewal from the IRS may elect to renew the family’s ITINs together, even if a family member has an ITIN with middle digits that has not been identified for renewal. Family members include the taxpayer, spouse and dependents on the tax return.