The Internal Revenue Service Form W-7 is usually filed to get an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or to renew an ITIN. For individuals filing U.S. taxes who lack a Social Security number (SSN), the IRS issues a nine-digit Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is only for use with federal tax filings and does not change a person’s residency or immigration status.
Supporting Documentation
Here is a list of documents required for filing an ITIN. These documents will be attached and submitted with your Form W-7.
- Passport (the only stand-alone document)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
- Visas issued by the U.S. Department of State
- U.S. driver’s license
- U.S. military identification card
- Foreign driver’s license
- Foreign military identification card
- National identification card (must contain name, photograph, address, date of birth, and expiration date)
- U.S. state identification card
- Foreign voter’s registration card
- Civil birth certificate
- Medical records (valid only for dependents under age 6)
- School records (valid only for a dependent under age 18, if a student)
- Civil birth certificate (for applicants under 18)
- Passports and national identification cards
- Medical records (valid only for dependents under 6 years of age)
- School records ( for a school term ending no more than 12 months from the date of the Form W-7 application)
Instructions in Form W-7
The following categories of people are eligible to file Form W-7:
- Any individual who isn’t eligible to get an SSN, but who must furnish a taxpayer identification number for U.S. tax purposes or to file a U.S. federal tax return must apply for an ITIN on Form W-7.
- Persons who must renew their ITIN to file a U.S. federal tax return.
How to fill out Form W-7
Download Form W-7, complete it, print it, and sign it. These are the steps to follow while filling out the form;
- Tick on the application type you want; “Apply for a new ITIN” or ” Renew an existing ITIN.”
- Check either box a, b, c, d, e,f, or g for a suitable reason for submitting Form W-7.
- Put your First, middle, and last name. If your name at birth is different from your current name due to marriage, you need to put the birth name on the send line.
- Applicant’s Mailing Address: Input your street address, apartment number, or rural route number. If you have a P.O. Box, there is a separate instruction for you.
Also input the city or town, state or province, and country. Also, include ZIP code or postal code.
- Foreign (non-US) Address: Input your street address, apartment number, or rural route number. Do not use a P.O. Box number.
Also input the city or town, state or province, and country. Also, include ZIP code or postal code.
- Birth Information: Input your date of birth (month/day/year), Including country of birth. City and state are optional.
- Indicate your gender
- Provide other information, such as:
- Country of citizenship
- Foreign tax I.D number (if any)
- Type of U.S visa (if any), number and expiration date
- Identification document(s) submitted, such as passport, driver’s license/state ID, and USCIS documentation.
- Indicating if you want to renew your ITIN
- ITIN (for those renewing)
- College name or university
- Signature: Sign your signature at the end of the form on the box provided.
Where to Apply Form W-7
You can apply Form W-7 through the following means;
- By mail: You can mail your Form W-7 alongside other documents, such as your tax return and all the documentation under the Support documentation. Mail to this address:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
P. O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342
- By private delivery services: You can submit your Form W-7, tax return, and other documents. This is the address:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Mail Stop: 6090-AUSC
3651 S.Interregional, Hwy 35
Austin, TX, 78741-0000
- In-person: You can apply by visiting the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nearest to you.
- Through an Acceptance agent: You can apply through any of these two agents: the Acceptance Agent (AA) and Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA)
