In case you have to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), it is necessary to fill out Form W-7 and attach it to your federal tax return. In addition to this form, you must also provide original documents or certified copies which are issued by the agency where you apply for and which serves the purpose of confirming your identity and foreign status. However, in some cases, if you are in the country but do not have an ITIN or create an ITIN application form W-7 to submit along with proof of identity, foreign status and any other documents in support of the exception.
There are several ways to apply for it and submit such an application. An option one is to send your Form W-7, tax return and other required papers to the address given below:
Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
Take note that this is the only time you will dispatch a tax return to this address—only while applying for your ITIN. For the coming years, assuming you have been issued with an ITIN, you will submit your tax returns as per the normal guidelines.
If you want to get your original documents back sooner, it may be best to go to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). These options enable you to avoid sending your originals in the mail. Additionally, if you are reluctant to submit the original documents for some various reasons, certified copies may be submitted instead of the original. In the event that original documents must be sent, the IRS will send the originals back to the address indicated on Form W-7. If you prefer a faster return of your documents, you may attach a self-addressed prepaid Express Mail or courier envelope. In case they do not return your documents after 14 weeks, please reach out to the IRS at 800-908-9982 (for applicants on U.S. soil) or 267-941-1000 (for those overseas).
Yet another option would be to approach an IRS authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) to apply. They would assist you in the process of submitting your Form W-7, and you would not have to send your documents. You could also go to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center and schedule an appointment at which time you will also not have to send your documents. After correcting the application, the ITIN will be sent to the applicant by the IRS.
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You may apply for an ITIN at any point of the year, where you have a filing or reporting obligation. Form W-7 should ideally be filled out when one is prepared to submit their federal income tax return within the specified time frame. Failure to file the tax return in a timely manner may lead to the accrual of interest or penalties.
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Once you have submitted the application, it normally takes approximately seven weeks to receive a letter from the IRS containing your ITIN, provided that the application is complete and the applicant is eligible. For any inquiries over the application or to obtain updates on it, the IRS may be reached at 800-829-1040 (toll-free) for calls made from within the U.S. and 267-941-1000 (paid service) from outside the U.S. (This number is not toll-free). You also have to wait for more than 7 weeks after the application has been sent before inquiring the status of the application over the phone.
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