Individuals who need to have a taxpayer identification number in the US, who are not permitted to have an SSN, should have a tax ID number. This ID number is called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
When you are not eligible for Social Security Number (SSN) and want to open a bank account in the US or file taxes, you need to have an ITIN. ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status. Illegal immigrants can also get ITIN. ITIN is required for primary needs like opening a bank account, filing tax returns and other tax forms.
You can get your ITIN number from a few days to within a few weeks of application. Read on to find out how.
Uses of ITIN
- Pay tax and file tax return
- Open a business or personal bank account in the USA
- Open accounts on Amazon, PayPal, and more.
- For employment verification
- Set up mortgage loans
- Financing a vehicle
- Applying for an apartment rental
- Applying for transaction cards like credit cards
- For receiving tax refunds
How long will it take to get your ITIN number?
ITIN processing time varies according to the month of the year that you are applying. Typically, it takes up to 3 to 4 weeks for the IRS to process your ITIN. During tax season, it can take up to 5-6 weeks to get your ITIN number. This is because of the high demand for ITIN to get taxes processed.
Required Documents to get ITIN
Two sets of documents are needed to get your ITIN number.
Identification documents- You can use your passport as an identification document. If you don’t have one, below is the list of alternative options.
- USA driving license
- USCIS photo identification
- USA military ID card
- Driving license from a foreign country
- The military ID card of a foreign country
- National ID card
- Medical history for applicants less than 6 years
- School records of applicants less than 18 years
- Birth certificate
Supporting documents- You can find the supporting documents listed on the official IRS website. Preparing a clear and complete set of documents will help you get your ITIN number faster.
How to get your ITIN number quickly?
There are a number of ways of getting your ITIN number within a few weeks.
- Agents
You will find many Acceptance agents that have been certified, trained, and authorized by the IRS. They assist national and foreign individuals that are not eligible for an SSN. These agents will help you to file the necessary documents, they will help you fill the application form and will assist you from the beginning to the end of the process until you get your ITIN number.
- Online Application
There are online services that help you get your ITIN number quickly. They offer a quick and fast service without the need for sending original documents to the office of the IRS.
- In-person Application
You can go to the Taxpayer Assistance Center of the IRS in the USA in person and bring along all prepared, valid documents and completed forms.
- Mail the Application
You can also complete and send the W-7 form, identification documents, supporting documents and tax return forms to their address. You can find their address online.
Check your ITIN status
It is difficult to check the status of ITIN officially if you are applying on your own. You will have to wait 5-6 weeks before calling the IRS ITIN unit. If you signed up with an online service or hired a certified and authorized agent, checking the status of your application becomes easier. The agents call the ITIN department and check the status of your application.
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