Many people believe they cannot file a U.S. tax return because they do not have a Social Security Number (SSN). Fortunately, that is not always the case.
If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number but have a federal tax filing or reporting requirement, you may be eligible to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
At 1 Key Financial, we are IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAAs). This means we can assist eligible applicants with the ITIN application or renewal process, review the required identification documents, prepare Form W-7, and submit the appropriate ITIN application package to the IRS.
For many applicants, working with a CAA also means that qualifying original identification documents can be authenticated and returned after review rather than mailed to the IRS.
What Is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number.
An ITIN is used for federal tax purposes. It does not:
- Authorize you to work in the United States.
- Provide legal immigration status.
- Make you eligible for Social Security benefits.
Its primary purpose is to allow eligible individuals to comply with U.S. federal tax laws and claim tax benefits for which they may qualify.
Why Should You File Taxes Without a Social Security Number?
If you have a federal tax filing requirement, not having an SSN does not necessarily eliminate that obligation.
An ITIN may allow you to properly file your federal income tax return and establish a U.S. tax filing history.
Stay Compliant With U.S. Tax Laws
Filing required tax returns can help you remain compliant with federal tax laws and avoid potential penalties, interest, and future tax problems.
Establish a Tax and Financial History
A consistent tax filing history documents your reported income and tax compliance and may be useful for certain financial or administrative purposes.
You May Qualify for Certain Tax Benefits
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for a tax refund or certain tax benefits permitted for ITIN holders.
Eligibility depends on the specific credit or deduction and current federal tax law.
Who May Need an ITIN?
You may need an ITIN if you are not eligible for a Social Security Number but have a federal tax filing or reporting requirement.
Examples may include:
- Individuals required to file a U.S. federal income tax return.
- Certain spouses or dependents included on a tax return.
- Foreign nationals with U.S. tax obligations.
- Individuals claiming certain tax treaty benefits.
- Foreign investors or business owners with U.S. tax reporting requirements.
- Other individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for a valid federal tax purpose.
Every situation is different. An ITIN should only be requested when there is a legitimate federal tax purpose and the applicant meets IRS requirements.
What Documents Are Required for an ITIN?
The IRS requires documentation establishing the applicant's identity and foreign status.
A valid passport is generally the preferred document because, when it meets IRS requirements, it can serve as a stand-alone document establishing both identity and foreign status.
When a passport is not available, the IRS accepts certain combinations of other approved documents.
A Major Advantage: Apply Through an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent
One of the biggest concerns applicants have is:
"Do I have to mail my original passport to the IRS?"
There is another option.
1 Key Financial is an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA).
As a CAA, we can assist eligible ITIN applicants through the application process and authenticate qualifying identification documents in accordance with IRS requirements.
This can provide several important advantages:
- We review your ITIN application before submission.
- We help complete Form W-7 correctly.
- We verify that the required supporting documentation meets applicable IRS requirements.
- We can authenticate qualifying identification documents.
- Qualifying original documents can generally be returned to you after our review instead of being mailed to the IRS.
- We prepare the required Certificate of Accuracy when applicable.
- We submit the appropriate ITIN application package for IRS processing.
Certain restrictions apply, particularly to some documents submitted for dependents. We review each case individually to determine exactly what documentation the IRS requires.
How Does the ITIN Application Process Work With 1 Key Financial?
Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Step 1 – Determine ITIN Eligibility
We first review your situation to determine whether you need an ITIN and whether you have a qualifying federal tax purpose.
Step 2 – Prepare Form W-7
We assist in preparing the IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Step 3 – Review Your Identification Documents
As an IRS-authorized CAA, we review the required identification documentation in accordance with IRS procedures.
Step 4 – Prepare the Tax Return or Applicable Exception Documentation
Most new ITIN applications must be submitted with a federal income tax return unless the applicant qualifies for one of the IRS exceptions.
Our tax professionals can prepare the required tax return when applicable.
Step 5 – Submit the ITIN Application Package
We assemble the required documentation and submit the ITIN application package for IRS processing.
Step 6 – IRS Processes the Application
The IRS reviews the application and, if approved, issues the applicant's ITIN.
Can an ITIN Expire?
Yes.
An ITIN that has not been used on a federal income tax return for three consecutive tax years may expire.
If you have an old ITIN and are unsure whether it is still active, 1 Key Financial can review your situation and assist with the renewal process when necessary.
Why Choose 1 Key Financial for Your ITIN Application?
Applying for an ITIN involves much more than completing a form.
An incomplete Form W-7, incorrect documentation, or failure to establish the proper federal tax purpose can delay the application or result in correspondence from the IRS.
At 1 Key Financial, we are IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAAs) and provide comprehensive ITIN and tax preparation services.
Our ITIN services can include:
- New ITIN applications.
- ITIN renewals.
- Form W-7 preparation.
- Review and authentication of qualifying identification documents.
- Preparation of the federal income tax return when required.
- Assistance with applicable ITIN exceptions.
- Preparation and submission of the appropriate application package.
- Bilingual assistance in English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file taxes without a Social Security Number?
Yes. If you are not eligible for an SSN but have a federal tax filing requirement, you may be able to obtain an ITIN and use it to file your federal income tax return.
Does an ITIN give me permission to work in the United States?
No. An ITIN is a federal tax processing number. It does not provide employment authorization.
Does an ITIN change my immigration status?
No. Obtaining an ITIN does not provide legal immigration status, residency, or work authorization.
Do I have to mail my original passport to the IRS?
Not necessarily.
Working with an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent may allow qualifying identification documents to be authenticated and returned to you after review instead of mailing the originals to the IRS.
Different requirements may apply to certain dependents and supporting documents.
What is a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA)?
A Certifying Acceptance Agent is an individual or organization authorized by the IRS to assist eligible applicants with the ITIN application process.
A CAA can review required documentation, authenticate qualifying identification documents, assist with Form W-7, and submit the appropriate certification and application package to the IRS.
Does the IRS charge a fee to issue an ITIN?
The IRS does not charge an application fee to issue an ITIN. However, professional CAAs and tax preparers may charge fees for services such as document review, Form W-7 preparation, tax return preparation, and assistance with the application process.
How long does the ITIN process take?
IRS processing times vary depending on when and where the application is submitted. Applicants should allow additional time during peak tax filing season and for applications submitted from outside the United States.
Can 1 Key Financial help renew an expired ITIN?
Yes. We can review your existing ITIN, determine whether renewal is necessary for your federal tax filing purpose, and assist with the renewal process.
Need an ITIN? Work With an IRS-Authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent
If you need to file U.S. taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you don't have to navigate the ITIN process alone.
1 Key Financial is an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA).
We can help you determine whether you qualify for an ITIN, prepare Form W-7, review and authenticate qualifying identification documents, prepare your tax return when required, and submit the appropriate application package to the IRS.
English & Spanish Assistance
Contact 1 Key Financial today to schedule your ITIN consultation.
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