Apply ITIN

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to facilitate tax reporting and payment for the following categories of individuals:

• U.S. residents who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) due to their immigration status

• Non-resident aliens who are required to file or report U.S. income taxes

• Spouses and dependents of individuals in the above categories

It is important to note that the ITIN is used exclusively for individual income tax reporting. It is not intended for business tax purposes. Individuals who own or operate businesses in the United States must also obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for their business. In such cases, both the individual and the business will require separate tax identification numbers, and the application processes differ accordingly.

Additionally, the ITIN is specifically for individuals who are not U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens, including those living abroad, are not eligible to apply for an ITIN and must use their SSN for tax reporting.

The Form W-7 is designed to provide the IRS with the necessary information to verify the identity of non-U.S. citizens for tax purposes and to maintain up-to-date contact details on file. Many applicants for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) often ask where to submit the completed W-7 form. Answers to this and other related questions can be found in the official W-7 form instructions available on our website.

If you fall into one of the basic eligibility categories, you may be asking yourself, “What do I need to obtain an ITIN?” Fortunately, the application process is straightforward when followed step-by-step. However, completing Form W-7 can be somewhat complex. To assist with this, the ITIN W-7 Application service offers a clear, easy-to-follow checklist of required documents. These documents are essential, as they provide the IRS with the necessary information to verify your identity and support your application.

To submit your ITIN application, you must include supporting documentation that verifies both your identity and foreign status. If you are being claimed as a dependent, you must also provide proof of U.S. residency. All documents submitted must be either original or certified copies issued by the appropriate authorities. If you send original documents with your Form W-7, the IRS will return them to the mailing address you provide. Additionally, unless you are applying for an ITIN renewal, a valid federal income tax return must be included with your application.

If you intend to submit copies of your ITIN application documents, they must be certified copies. A certified copy is issued directly by the agency that produced the original document and includes an official stamp or seal confirming its authenticity. In some cases, consulates or embassies in foreign countries may offer certification services for required ITIN documents. It is recommended that you contact the relevant consulate or embassy in advance to confirm whether this service is available.

You may prefer not to send original documents to the IRS. However, it’s important to understand that simply photocopying your passport or ID at home is not sufficient. For your ITIN application to be accepted, all copies must be properly certified.

What Is ITIN Document Certification?

ITIN document certification involves obtaining a copy of your original document directly from the issuing agency, stamped with an official seal that confirms its authenticity. Only documents bearing this certification will be accepted by the IRS. In some cases, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad offer document certification services. If you choose this option, you will need to contact the appropriate embassy or consulate to confirm whether this service is available in your country, as offerings may vary.

If you need a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to file your taxes, you might expect the process to be complicated and time-consuming. While dealing with the IRS can seem overwhelming, applying for an ITIN is actually straightforward when you follow a clear process:

Here are three simple steps to get started:

1. Complete your W-7 application online

2. Gather the required supporting documents

3. Submit your application by following our step-by-step filing instructions

Online ITIN Application Made Easy

There’s no need to deal with paperwork or complex forms. With our ITIN W-7 Application service, you can complete a simplified version of IRS Form W-7 online in just a few minutes. Our user-friendly process saves time and helps ensure your application is accurate and complete.

Yes, an undocumented or illegal immigrant can apply for and receive an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS.

Here's what you should know:

• Purpose of the ITIN: The ITIN is issued by the IRS to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) but need to file a U.S. tax return or have a federal tax reporting obligation.

• Not an immigration benefit: Receiving an ITIN does not grant legal immigration status, work authorization, or eligibility for Social Security benefits.

• Accepted applications: Many undocumented immigrants use an ITIN to:

  • File federal tax returns

  • Pay taxes legally

  • Claim certain tax credits (such as the Child Tax Credit, if eligible)

  • Open interest-bearing bank accounts (in some cases)

• Required documents: Applicants must submit Form W-7 along with documents proving identity and foreign status. In most cases, a valid federal income tax return must also be submitted.

Important Notes:

• The IRS does not share ITIN application information with immigration enforcement agencies.

• Having an ITIN can demonstrate a history of tax compliance, which may be helpful in some future immigration proceedings, but it does not affect immigration status directly.

• The IRS established the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) program in 1996 to enable foreign nationals to comply with U.S. tax laws by reporting income earned within the United States. This includes individuals who are not lawfully present in the country. Regardless of immigration status, anyone who earns income in the U.S. is required to report it and pay applicable taxes. Applying for an ITIN is the proper way to fulfill this obligation.

Claiming a non-citizen child as a dependent on your federal tax return—when they do not have and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number—requires an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can complete the IRS Form W-7 online and download a printable version of the form. However, the IRS requires that the signed application, along with the necessary identification documents and your federal tax return, be submitted by mail or delivered in person. This process ensures that ITINs are used exclusively for tax reporting purposes, not for employment or identification.

At ITIN W-7 Application, we simplify the preparation process by guiding you through each step with clear, user-friendly instructions. Our platform includes a comprehensive checklist to help you gather the required documents for the ITIN application. The IRS mandates that at least two documents be submitted to verify both the dependent’s identity and foreign status.

Since the IRS can take up to seven weeks to process an ITIN application, any missing or incorrect documentation could lead to delays—and potentially penalties for late tax filing. That’s why accuracy and completeness are critical.

Start Your ITIN Application Today

To begin the process, you’ll need your U.S. visa number and expiration date, your foreign Tax Identification Number (if applicable), and basic personal information. Our system ensures all data is entered accurately into the correct fields on the W-7 form, eliminating confusion and reducing the chance of errors. In addition, our knowledgeable customer support team is available to assist you with any questions you may have about your specific situation or the application process.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a valuable tool that enables foreign nationals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) to file a federal income tax return. If you’ve already gone through the ITIN application process, you may be wondering whether your ITIN can expire. The answer is yes—an ITIN can expire under the following circumstances:

• It has not been used on a federal tax return at least once in the past three consecutive years, or

• The middle two digits of the ITIN fall within one of the following ranges: 70, 71, 72, 78, 79, or 80

If your ITIN meets either of these criteria, it is considered expired. To avoid delays in your tax refund or processing issues, it is essential to begin the renewal process as early as possible.

How to Renew an Expired ITIN

If your ITIN has expired, the renewal process is very similar to the initial application—except you are not required to include a federal tax return. To renew, you must:

1. Complete a new Form W-7

2. Submit it to the IRS along with either:

   • An original, valid passport, or

   • Two other acceptable identification documents that establish both identity and foreign status

You may also choose to renew ITINs for other family members at the same time, even if their numbers have not yet expired.

Avoid Delays—Renew Your ITIN Today

Having a valid ITIN is essential to filing your tax return and receiving any eligible tax refund. If you’ve received a notice from the IRS informing you that your ITIN has expired, it’s in your best interest to begin the renewal process immediately.

If you’re unsure how to fill out the W-7 form, where to send your documentation, or what documents are required, the team at ITIN W-7 Application is here to help. Our experts guide you through each step to ensure your renewal is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.