Description
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number that is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN) but have a U.S. tax filing obligation. If you need to apply for an ITIN, you'll need to provide certain documents and follow specific instructions.
To apply for an ITIN, you'll need to complete Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You can download the form from the IRS website or request a copy by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676.
When completing the form, you'll need to provide certain documents as proof of your identity and foreign status. Acceptable documents include a passport, national identification card, or birth certificate, among others. If you're submitting a foreign passport as your identification document, it must have a U.S. visa affixed to it, or you must provide a copy of a U.S. visa application.
In addition to your identification documents, you'll need to provide proof of your foreign status. This can include a U.S. visa, U.S. or foreign military identification card, or a foreign voter's registration card.
Once you've completed Form W-7 and gathered your identification and foreign status documents, you can submit your application by mail or in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. It's important to note that the processing time for an ITIN application can take up to 11 weeks, so plan accordingly.
