All the exceptions are listed in the ITIN application instructions. An ITIN may be assigned to an alien dependent from Canada or Mexico if that dependent qualifies a taxpayer for a child or dependent care credit (claimed on Form 2441). The Form 2441 must be attached to Form W-7 along with the U.S. federal tax return. All Form W-7 applications, including renewals, must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception to the filing requirement.

You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year when you have a filing major types of recording transactions or reporting requirement. At a minimum, you should complete Form W-7 when you are ready to file your federal income tax return by the return’s prescribed due date. If the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the return’s due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties. If none of the in-person options work for you, you can still submit your application by mail.

Can I get Social Security benefits with an ITIN?

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. As an independent organization within the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service helps taxpayers resolve problems and recommends changes that will prevent problems. The IRS has a long list of documents or combinations of documents that can show your status and identity.

1. The standard processing time is still seven weeks, although the IRS points out that delays can last up to 11 weeks if the renewal paperwork is received during peak tax time (January 15 to April 30).
2. The advantage to using CAAs is that for primary and secondary applicants (like a spouse), the CAA can certify that your documents are original and make copies to send to the IRS.
3. You may be able to request a certified copy of documents at an embassy or consulate.
4. Assuming you qualify for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (and you follow the W-7 form instructions correctly), you should receive an ITIN within seven weeks.
5. A list of these in-person Document Review Taxpayer Assistance Centers is available on IRS.gov.

You can apply for an ITIN by bringing your completed forms (Including the completed Form W-7) and documentation to any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center office. The staff can help you complete an application and will submit it for processing. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, learn how to get and use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a federal tax return. Anyone who needs to file a U.S. tax return can get an ITIN, regardless of their U.S. immigration status. To prevent delays, make sure you’ve provided the correct information and sent all the required supporting documentation. Incomplete or incorrect applications may take longer to process.

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Once you receive your ITIN, the IRS requires you to revalidate it every five years. If you don’t use your ITIN for three consecutive years, it will expire. ITIN holders do not qualify for such Social Security benefits.

Q18: What should I do if I submitted my ITIN renewal request before the end of 2021 and did not receive my ITIN?

If a person obtains an ITIN but does not include it on a federal tax return for three consecutive years, it will expire and will need to be revalidated. ITINs with a middle digit between “70” and “87” have expired. Certain offices can verify passports and national identification cards and return them immediately. A list of these in-person Document Review Taxpayer Assistance Centers is available on IRS.gov. This allows you to avoid mailing your original documents, or certified copies, to the IRS. Assuming you qualify for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (and you follow the W-7 form instructions correctly), you should receive an ITIN within seven weeks.

Q10: Is an ITIN considered to be issued when the ITIN application and accompanying return are received?

ITIN holders are no different from SSN holders when it comes to getting a tax refund. Like Social Security numbers, the ITIN is also nine digits long. If you’re a qualifying non-resident or a resident alien (green card holder), you, your spouse, and your dependents can receive an ITIN.

Q17: How long will the return be delayed in processing, if it’s filed with an expired ITIN?

LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. If you must send original documents, you can send the IRS a prepaid express envelope with your application to have them returned faster.

At Expat CPA, we specialize in helping non-residents, US citizens and expats remain compliant with the latest IRS tax codes. In addition to dedicated support for W-7 form instruction, we can also help you determine your expat eligibility for Social Security and other federal benefits. If you’re a US citizen who regularly files taxes, you likely have a Social Security number. But if you’re a non-citizen, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) still expects you to report taxes every year — for which you’ll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). As long as you qualify for a refund, and you have filed your taxes correctly, then yes.