ITIN Questions & Answers

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS for individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). It's a 9-digit number that begins with the number 9 and is formatted as 9XX-XX-XXXX.

Non-U.S. residents who need to file U.S. tax returns, claim tax treaty benefits, open U.S. bank accounts, verify identity with PayPal or Stripe, or conduct business in the United States typically need an ITIN. This includes freelancers, business owners, investors, and anyone with U.S.-source income.

No, an ITIN does not authorize you to work in the United States. It is only for tax purposes. An ITIN does not provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or change your immigration status.

ITINs that haven't been used on a tax return for three consecutive years will expire. ITINs with middle digits 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, or 90 have already expired and need to be renewed.

You need to complete Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and submit it with required documentation. You can mail it to the IRS, visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center, or use a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) like our service.

You need original documents or certified copies that prove your identity and foreign status. A passport is the most commonly accepted document. Other options include national ID cards, driver's licenses, birth certificates, or a combination of secondary documents.

No, the IRS requires original documents or certified copies. Photocopies are not acceptable. If you use a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), they can review your original documents and submit certified copies on your behalf.

In most cases, yes. You typically need to attach a tax return or other documentation showing your federal tax reporting requirement. However, there are exceptions for certain treaty benefits, third-party withholding, and other specific situations.

The IRS typically processes ITIN applications within 7-11 weeks during normal periods. During peak season (January through April), it can take up to 11 weeks. Using a professional service can help ensure your application is complete and processed as quickly as possible.

Yes, you can check your ITIN application status online at the IRS website or by calling the IRS ITIN hotline at 1-800-908-9982. You'll need your Form W-7 reference number and other identifying information.

The IRS will mail you a CP 565 notice with your ITIN. Your original documents will be returned separately. Keep the CP 565 notice for your records as it's your official ITIN assignment letter.

If rejected, the IRS will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient documentation, incomplete forms, or not meeting the requirements. You can reapply by addressing the issues mentioned in the rejection letter.

Yes, many PayPal business accounts require a U.S. tax identification number for verification, especially for high-volume transactions or when receiving payments from U.S. customers. An ITIN satisfies this requirement.

Yes, many U.S. banks accept ITINs for account opening, especially for business purposes. However, each bank has its own policies, and you may need additional documentation like proof of address and business registration.

Yes, Stripe accepts ITINs for merchant account verification. This is particularly useful for international businesses that need to process payments from U.S. customers or integrate with U.S. e-commerce platforms.

Yes, you can use an ITIN to apply for certain credit cards and loans, which can help you build a U.S. credit history. Start with secured credit cards and gradually build your credit score over time.

The IRS doesn't charge a fee for ITIN applications. However, you may have costs for document certification, shipping, and professional services. Our all-inclusive service is $299, which covers everything from form preparation to IRS submission.

Professional services ensure your application is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of rejection and delays. We handle document preparation, certification guidance, IRS submission, and provide support throughout the process. This saves you time and increases your chances of approval.

Our service includes complete W-7 form preparation, expert document review, IRS submission and filing, real-time status updates, direct IRS communication, and support until you receive your ITIN. There are no hidden fees.

While we can't guarantee approval (as the IRS makes the final decision), we have a 99% success rate. If your application is rejected due to our error, we'll resubmit for free. If you're not eligible for an ITIN, we provide a full refund.