Frequently asked questions

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a 9-digit number the IRS issues for federal tax purposes to people who need a U.S. taxpayer ID and are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN).

People who have a federal tax purpose, such as filing a U.S. tax return, being claimed for an allowable tax benefit, or another reason listed on Form W-7, and who cannot get an SSN. Immigration status alone does not determine whether you can get an ITIN.

No. An ITIN is for federal tax purposes only. It does not authorize work in the United States, does not qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit, and does not change your immigration status.

An SSN identifies a person who is eligible for one. An ITIN identifies a person for tax purposes when an SSN is not available. An EIN identifies a business or other entity, not a person. A foreign-owned U.S. LLC often has an EIN even when its owner does not have an ITIN.

No. If you have an SSN or are eligible to get one, you should not apply for an ITIN. Use your SSN for tax filing instead.

Form W-7 lists reasons such as claiming a tax treaty benefit, filing a return as a nonresident or resident alien, being a spouse or dependent claimed for an allowable tax benefit, studying or researching in the U.S., and certain other exceptions, including some business-related situations. Our application explains each one in plain language.

Not always. Many foreign-owned single-member LLCs use an EIN and file information returns such as Form 5472 without the owner having an ITIN. You may need an ITIN if you personally have a U.S. filing requirement or want to claim a treaty benefit. If you are not sure, ask a tax professional. When an ITIN is required, we can help you prepare Form W-7.

Often, when they have a federal tax purpose of their own. Most commonly that means being claimed for an allowable tax benefit on a U.S. return, or filing their own return. Since the 2018 tax-law changes, simply listing a spouse or dependent on a return is generally not enough.

Yes, as long as you still have a federal tax purpose. A renewal also uses Form W-7 with supporting identification, and usually a tax return unless an exception applies. When you start an application, say that you are renewing and include your previous ITIN in the “Anything we should know” notes.

Apply online in about five minutes and pay the assistance fee. Our team then reviews your file, helps prepare your Form W-7, and tells you exactly what to do next to submit it to the IRS. Everything is handled remotely, and you receive an email confirmation.

The IRS accepts 13 types of documents. A valid passport is usually enough on its own, because it proves both identity and foreign status. Without a passport, you generally need at least two documents that together prove both. Dependents may also need proof of U.S. residency. We tell you which documents apply to your situation.

Often, yes. The IRS generally requires original identification or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Some documents can instead be verified in person, for example by a Certifying Acceptance Agent or at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. We tell you exactly how to submit identification the IRS accepts for your file, so you do not have to guess. The IRS generally returns original documents to the mailing address on your Form W-7 within about 60 days.

Usually, yes. A Form 1040 or 1040-NR is attached to Form W-7 unless you qualify for an IRS exception. Each exception requires the specific supporting evidence the IRS lists for it.

Generally, no. The IRS wants originals or copies certified by the issuing agency, with limited exceptions. Please do not email scans of your passport or other identification unless we specifically ask you to use a secure method.

The IRS typically notifies you about 7 weeks after it receives your application. Allow 9 to 11 weeks if it arrives during peak season (January 15 through April 30) or if you apply from outside the United States. Processing times are set by the IRS, and we do not control them. We monitor your application and keep you updated.

A CP565 notice means your ITIN was assigned. A CP566 notice means the IRS needs more information. A CP567 notice means the application was rejected and must be resubmitted. Keep your mailing address current so these notices reach you.

No. ITIN Solutions is a private assistance service operated by TaxFlow Labs, which prepares and files the applications submitted through this site. Replies to your application or messages may come from a taxflowlabs.io email address. We are not the IRS and do not issue ITINs.

The $297 (regularly $499) assistance fee covers help preparing Form W-7, staff review of your file, and remote filing support. The IRS does not charge to assign an ITIN, and our fee does not include any other government charges. Card payments are handled by a third-party payment processor, and we do not store your full card number.

Our terms have the details. If we have not begun reviewing your file, you may request a refund of an online payment through our contact form. If an application is declined because of a mistake on our side, we correct and refile it at no cost to you. Incomplete or inaccurate information you provide can delay or prevent IRS approval.

No. An ITIN can make you eligible to apply at many banks and card issuers, but each one sets its own approval rules, and we do not control their decisions.

Choose Start application or go to Apply. You will see your reference code before you pay, and we email a confirmation once your application is submitted.

Use our contact form, and include your reference code if you have already applied.

Contact us as soon as possible and include your reference code. If you already know a detail is incorrect, do not wait for the IRS to reject the application.