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Recently, Documented has received questions from our WhatsApp community about how to obtain an ITIN number (also known as Tax ID) to pay taxes in the United States. Some WhatsApp readers said they would like to start paying taxes in case it is an element in any future citizenship applications.
What is the ITIN number, and how can I apply for one?
The ITIN is a Tax Identification number in the United States. It is controlled by the IRS (the agency to which US taxes are paid) and is used by foreigners who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number.
ITIN stands for “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number” and it is used for two purposes. First, the ITIN is used to pay taxes on any economic income that is obtained in the United States. Second, the ITIN works to identify spouses and dependent children who do not have Social Security so that taxpayers can claim an exemption for that spouse or dependent.
What an ITIN number is NOT used for.
It is essential to understand that obtaining the ITIN number does not change your immigration status, which means that you will not be able to get a permanent residence card. Also, the ITIN is NOT a Social Security number.
Who can apply for the ITIN number?
A person who resides in the United States for a period of six months or more and is not eligible for a Social Security number.
An investor or entrepreneur from other countries who have money invested in a business in the United States.
Foreigners, not residents in the United States who can request a tax benefit.
What documents do I need to apply for the ITIN?
To apply for the ITIN, the following documents are required: Passport, identification card, driver’s license from the United States or from the country of origin, official birth certificate for minors under 18 years of age, visa, American or foreign military card, or foreign driver’s license card.
How do I apply?
To apply for the ITIN, you must use the W-7 form. This is the link for the form.
If you are going to do it alone, we recommend that you follow these instructions to complete the form.
There are several options to file the form:
- You can take it in person to an IRS office
Services provided at these centers are by appointment only. You can make an appointment by calling 844-545-5640. Visit IRS.gov/W7ReviewDocuments for a list of Tax Assistance Centers (TACs) that have been designated to offer the document verification service for ITINs. TACs that do not provide document verification services for ITINs will mail original documents, Form W-7, and tax returns to the IRS processing center in Austin for processing.
- Submit it.
By mail.
Submit Form W-7, your United States federal income tax return (if applicable), or other required documents under an exception, and the documents listed under Requirements for Supporting Documents, above, to:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
By private delivery service.
If you use a private delivery service to send your Form W-7 (SP), send Form W-7 (SP), your United States federal tax return (if applicable), or other documents required under an exception, and the documents indicated under Requirements for Supporting Documents, above, to: Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional, Hwy 35
Austin, TX 78741-0000
Through a processing agent.
You can also apply for an ITIN through one of two types of IRS-authorized processing agents. These are a:
Acceptance Agent (AA).
Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA).
An Acceptance Agent (AA).
An Acceptance Agent (AA) can help you complete and file Form W-7 (SP). For a list of agents, visit IRS.gov and enter “acceptance agent program” in the Search box. An AA will have to send original documents or certified copies of such documents by the issuing agency to the IRS for all applicants.
Here is a list of all processing agents throughout New York State
How long does the process take?
The process to receive a tax identification number takes about 7 weeks after submitting the request.
How do I renew the ITIN number?
Before starting an ITIN number renewal process, it is important to check if your ITIN number needs to be renewed, or that of your partner.
On many occasions, the IRS sends a letter requesting the ITIN’s renewal, but what is not known is that this request letter can be destined for a single family member, (Dad, Mom, son, nephew, etc..) so we need to know who they are asking for the renewal.
For the preparation of your taxes for the year 2020 (which are carried out in 2021) all ITIN numbers that have the following digits in their middle numbers:
88, 90, 91, 92, 95, 96, 97, 98 and 99
They need to be renewed, as well as all ITIN numbers that have not been used in the last three years of tax return for the tax years corresponding to 2017, 2018 and 2019.
What are the documents accepted by the IRS to renew the ITIN?
If your ITIN number, that of your spouse or your dependent is going to expire, you should start the renewal process as soon as possible. It is necessary to present original documents that support the country of origin, residence in the USA and in the same way a proof of identity. The IRS only accepts valid documents and the document that serves to prove these requirements is the passport, only if it has a US entry stamp, if it does not have it, it is necessary to present it. Documentation that proves your residence in the USA.
The required documents are the following:
2) Passport
3) National identification / Consular registration number (current, with name, photograph, address, date of birth)
4) United States Driver’s License
5) Civil birth certificate (required for children under 18 years old)
6) Foreign driver’s license
7) United States identification card
8) Voting registration card of your country
9) Military identification card of your country
10) Visa
If you do not wish to submit your original documentation, you may be eligible to use an IRS Authorized Acceptance Agent, or you may obtain an appointment at the designated Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) to review and certify all your identification documents. To make an appointment with a local Acceptance Agent, you can visit an Acceptance Agent Program.
Where do I request the renewal of my ITIN?
Option 1
Send Form W-7 (SP), proof of your identity and the documents related to your alien status to:
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O.Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
The return of your identification documentation will occur within a period of 60 days. It is important to send your application as soon as possible to avoid delays in the processing of your next tax return.
Option 2
Apply for an ITIN in person, using the services of an IRS-authorized certifying agent. This way, you will not have to send the original identity documents.
Option 3
You can schedule an appointment at the IRS-designated Taxpayer Assistance Center to authenticate documents related to Form W-7. This way, you will not have to send the original identity documents.
How long does the process take?
The process to receive a tax identification number takes about 7 weeks after submitting the request.
Who can help you get and renew an ITIN number?
Below is a list of places where they will help you, free or low cost, to apply for an ITIN number:
Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC)
A nonprofit created to exercise and protect the privileges and interests of the community; foster a healthy interest in community civic affairs, help immigrants acquire U.S. citizenship, investigate civic abuses, and pursue civic reform. (Free)
Contact Information: Liliana Estrella. Phone: 862-397-0457. Email: liliana@eiic.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EIICNY
Urban Upbound:
Our mission is to provide residents of public housing neighborhoods with the tools and resources necessary to achieve economic mobility and self-sufficiency. (Free)
Contact Information: Liliana Estrella. Phone Number: 862-397-0457. Email: liliana@eiic.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanupboundny
The Unity Council.
The Unity Council is now an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent, which means our team can help people who do not qualify for a Social Security Number apply for an ITIN number. (Low cost)
Contact: Yolanda Lopez. Email: Vita@unitycouncil.org. Phone Number: 510-535-6101.
ATAX
ATAX is a full-service national tax preparation and business services franchise. We serve clients in both English and Spanish. (Low cost)
Phone: 917-268-9867. Email: dcueto@atax.com.
PROGRESO ACCOUNT & ADVISORS.
Our mission is to continue supporting the growth of the community, with more than a thousand satisfied personal and corporate clients who support their work and evaluated by them with the highest marks, obtaining the A + qualification granted by the Better Business Bureau. (Low Cost)
Contact: 718-619-8950. Email: info@progresotax.com
