A Step-by-Step Guide for How to Obtain an ITIN Number in 5 Steps

Do you have any idea about how to obtain an ITIN number? Are you a non-resident or foreign national who needs to file U.S. taxes? If the answer is “Yes!”, but you are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN), you’ll need an ITIN number. ITIN number is issued by the IRS and this number allows you to stay compliant with U.S. tax laws.

In the United States, everyone is expected to comply with U.S. tax laws. Even for citizens, it is necessary. If you earn income connected to the country of U.S, this is an obligatory to have an ITIN number. In the following lines you will get information about how to obtain an ITIN number in 5 simple steps.

What is an ITIN Application?

An ITIN is Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in words. So, as you understand clearly, it is a tax processing number that is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to individuals who must pay U.S. taxes but aren’t eligible for a Social Security Number.

It’s primarily used for federal tax reporting and filling purposes. So, the individuals who are required to file a federal tax return or be included on one but who are not eligible for a Social Security Number must have an ITIN number.

Please remember that ITIN number does not authorize a person to work in the U.S., does not provide eligibility for Social Security benefits, it does not offer a path to legal immigration status.

Who Needs an ITIN Application?

There are some conditions to have ITIN number. Some of the most important conditions are those that you must not be eligible for a Social Security Number and you must have a valid federal tax purpose. To get ITIN number, The ITIN application process is designed for you if ;

You are a non-resident alien required to file a U.S. tax return

You are a resident alien based on the substantial presence test

You are the spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen/resident alien

You are the dependent or spouse of a non-resident visa holder

You are a foreign national claiming tax treaty benefits

You are foreign students, professors, and researchers

How to Obtain an ITIN Number in 5 Easy Steps

In the following you can find the 5 steps to get an ITIN number. If you follow these steps closely, you can get your ITIN easily.

Step 1: You Should Complete IRS Form W-7 to Get an ITIN Number

Start your ITIN application by filling out Form W-7, available on the IRS website. You’ll need to include:

Fill in the personal details like name, address, date of birth.
Insert your foreign status and visa information.
Choose the correct reason for applying.

Make sure that all information is consistent with your official documents.

Step 2: You Should Gather Required Documents to Get an ITIN Number

To get an ITIN number, firstly you must verify both your identity and foreign status. The most commonly accepted document is a valid, unexpired passport. Other acceptable documents include:

National ID card
Birth certificate
U.S. or foreign driver’s license
Visa and immigration documents

Do not forget to submit either the original document or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

Step 3: Attach a Federal Tax Return (Unless You Qualify for an Exception)

In most cases, you must submit a federal tax return (e.g., Form 1040) along with your ITIN application. This proves to the IRS that you need the ITIN for tax purposes.

Exceptions apply if you meet certain visa or treaty conditions.

Step 4: Submit Your ITIN Application

There are three ways that you can submit your documents;

You can submit by mail:
Send Form W-7, your tax return, and supporting documents to:
IRS ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342
You can submit in person at a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA):
CAAs can verify documents, so you don’t have to mail originals.
You can subit at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC):
Make an appointment online or by phone before visiting.

Step 5: Wait for IRS Processing to Get an ITIN Number

The IRS typically processes applications in 7–11 weeks, depending on the time of year and method of submission. We advise you to work with a professional team to get your ITIN number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your ITIN Application

How to obtain an ITIN number? What are the mistakes to get an ITIN number commonly done.

Submitting expired documents
Incomplete or inaccurate Form W-7
Sending photocopies instead of certified originals
Forgetting to include a tax return when required

Avoiding these mistakes helps you to get an ITIN number faster and with less obstacle.

When Does an ITIN Expire?

There are some common mistakes that are done for ITIN number application. You can see in the following the common examples:

People submit photocopies instead of certified documents.
People use an incomplete or incorrect Form W-7.
People forget to include a tax return, when required.
People fail to sign the form or tax return.

Please be careful and sure while doing ITIN number application.