An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need a US tax ID but can't get a Social Security Number. It always starts with a 9. You can apply whether or not you own a US company, as long as you have a genuine US tax reason.
Who needs an ITIN?
- Non-residents who must file a US federal tax return, for example a 1040-NR because they earn US-source income.
- Owners of US partnerships or multi-member LLCs who receive a Schedule K-1.
- People claiming a tax-treaty benefit to reduce withholding on royalties, dividends or other income.
- Spouses and dependants of US citizens or residents being claimed on a return.
An ITIN is a tax number only. It doesn't give you work authorisation, immigration status or eligibility for Social Security.
ITIN vs EIN
An EIN is for your company; an ITIN is for you. You don't need an ITIN to form a US LLC or to get its EIN; see our EIN without an SSN guide. Some payment platforms and banks do ask the owner for a personal US tax ID, which is one common reason founders apply.
The documents you need
The IRS must verify both your identity and your foreign status. A valid passport is the only single document that proves both. When you apply through us, prepare:
- Passport photo page: a full colour scan with all four corners visible and nothing cut off.
- Passport signature page.
- Proof of home address: a recent bank statement or utility bill, from the last three months.
- Your email address and phone number, so we can contact you quickly.
- The federal tax return the ITIN is for, or evidence that you qualify for an exception.
Why a Certified Acceptance Agent matters
If you apply directly, the IRS normally wants your original passport or a copy certified by the issuing agency, posted to Texas. You could be without your passport for weeks. A Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is authorised by the IRS to verify your passport and sign a certificate of accuracy, so the original never leaves your hands. We are affiliated with a CAA, so you don't need a certified copy; the scans above are enough. You can read more about the programme on the IRS Acceptance Agent page.
How Form W-7 works
Form W-7 is the ITIN application. The most important choice is the reason box at the top:
- (a) non-resident alien required to get an ITIN to claim tax-treaty benefit;
- (b) non-resident alien filing a US federal tax return;
- (e) and (d) spouse or dependant of a US citizen or resident;
- (h) other, for exceptions such as third-party withholding.
Most W-7s must be attached to the tax return they're needed for. Exceptions exist (for example certain treaty and withholding cases), but they need supporting evidence. Choosing the wrong reason code is the most common cause of rejection, which is why we confirm eligibility before anything is filed. The full instructions are on the IRS Form W-7 page.
Step-by-step: applying with us
- Eligibility check: we confirm why you need an ITIN and the right reason code.
- Documents: you upload your passport scans and proof of address to your portal.
- Verification: our partner CAA reviews your passport and completes the certificate of accuracy.
- Preparation: we prepare Form W-7 and the required tax document.
- Submission: the package goes to the IRS ITIN unit.
- ITIN issued: the IRS mails your ITIN assignment letter, and we track progress for you.
How long it takes
ITIN applications normally take 8 to 12 weeks. With our fast-track processing, which we provide at the same price, it usually takes 5 to 6 weeks. Either route can take longer than usual, especially during peak tax season (January to April) or for applications from abroad. Incomplete applications are returned, which restarts the clock, so getting it right the first time matters.
Keeping your ITIN active
An ITIN expires if it isn't used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years. If yours expires, you renew it with a new W-7. Keep your ITIN letter safe; you'll need the number on every future return.
Common mistakes
- Sending a cropped or blurry passport scan. All four corners must be visible.
- Applying without a tax reason; the IRS rejects "just in case" applications.
- Using an expired passport.
- Name mismatches between the passport, W-7 and tax return.
- Posting your original passport when a CAA could verify it instead.
Get your ITIN without posting your passport
Our ITIN service handles eligibility, the W-7, CAA verification and IRS follow-up. If you also own a US company, pair it with our IRS & State Filing service so your returns and ITIN are handled together.
