But just in case, let’s go over a few sections that might apply. This looks the same whether you’re applying for a new ITIN or just renewing an old one. Ask a real person any government-related question for free.

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

Only a Social Security Number qualifies you to receive Social Security and other government benefits. Social Security Numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). They are shared across multiple governmental departments (including Immigration and Customs Enforcement). For citizens (and some eligible residents or foreign nationals), that number is their Social Security Number — often assigned at birth. To learn about our professional expat tax preparation services, schedule a free consultation with us today. If you have or are eligible to obtain a social security number, you are not eligible for an ITIN.

1. Last but not least, be sure to sign and date your W-7 at the bottom, and provide a good phone number for the IRS to reach you at, just in case.
2. This is especially true if you’re mailing your ITIN application to the U.S. from overseas as an expat or non-resident.
3. However, you won’t get any of that money back in the form of future benefits — unless, of course, you acquire a Social Security number down the road.
4. You’ll still have to pay into those programs if you pay self-employment tax.

More In File

ITINs do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting. If you already have an ITIN but fail to submit a U.S. tax return in any given calendar year, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may expire. If this happens, you’ll need to resubmit all your materials – along with your most recently completed U.S. federal tax return.

ITIN documentation frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Be sure to take a selfie for sentimental purposes (optional step). You can leave all the tax ID numbers on your 1040 tax return blank. Once your ITIN is assigned, you’ll use it in those boxes on future returns.

The discussion of allowable tax benefits has been expanded. For more information see Allowable Tax Benefits in the Instructions for Form W-7 PDF. Once the doors open, it’s best to get your return in as soon as you can. This will put you towards the “front of the line” — giving you the best possible chance of a shorter turnaround. Last but not least, be sure to beginning balances and closing entries on an income summary sign and date your W-7 at the bottom, and provide a good phone number for the IRS to reach you at, just in case. Not every section will apply to you, and it’s okay to skip those parts.

Section 203 of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, enacted on December 18, 2015, included provisions that affect the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) application process. Taxpayers and their representatives should review these changes, which are further explained in the ITIN Documentation Frequently Asked Questions, before requesting an ITIN. Keeper is the top-rated all-in-one business expense tracker, tax filing service, and personal accountant. The letter will list your ITIN number and give you instructions on how to use it. You don’t need to have your ITIN to submit a tax extension.

Things get lost or damaged in the mail all the time, and replacing something like a passport is no small task. An IRSN, or “Internal Revenue Service Number,” is a temporary number the IRS issues when it receives a tax return without the Form W-7 attached. The same rule of thumb goes for your dependents and your spouse. If you aren’t claiming them on your tax return, there’s no reason for them to get an ITIN number. Even though the basic process for obtaining an ITIN is fairly straightforward, IRS forms are notoriously confusing for citizens and foreign nationals alike. Moreover, the steps for obtaining an ITIN become slightly more complex when reporting U.S. taxes while living abroad.