ITIN Frequently Asked Questions

You should apply for an ITIN 

• if you are required to file a U.S. tax return 

• or if you need to claim certain tax treaty benefits

• and you are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). 

With an ITIN, as a non-U.S. resident or a non-U.S. citizen, you will be able to do business in the USA and pay the necessary taxes.

The W7 form is an IRS form used to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). 
An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS for individuals who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). The ITIN allows these individuals to pay their required taxes or claim refunds where relevant. 
Generally, non-U.S. residents or non-U.S. citizens are not eligible for an SSN and would need an ITIN to do business and pay taxes in the U.S.

To fill out the W7 form, you need to provide personal information such as your name, mailing address, and birth information – this is usually straightforward for most applicants. However, you also need to indicate your reason for needing an ITIN and attach the required identification documents as specified by the ITIN instructions.
The reason you provide for needing the ITIN must be either a default reason or a valid exception reason, and depending on the selection, specific documentation is required.

Providing the wrong reason or incorrect documents will lead to the ITIN application being rejected. Incorrect completion of the W7 form and/or incorrect supporting documentation is the main reason for ITIN delays and rejections. Detailed instructions are provided on the form and on the IRS website.
Given that the application process (assuming no errors or complications) takes 7-11 weeks, it is worthwhile for most applicants to ensure that the form and supporting documentation are exactly as required per the instructions. 

Beacon Hill Tax specializes in completing and reviewing these forms for our clients– please reach out if you would like our assistance with your application.

You will need to provide original documents or certified copies, such as a passport, national ID card, or birth certificate. The IRS provides a list of acceptable documents that can be submitted with the W7 form. 

When you appoint Beacon Hill Tax as your IRS Acceptance Agent, we check both the reasons you provide and the documentation for adherence to the W7 instructions, ensuring their completeness and accuracy. This greatly improves most applicants’ chances of a smooth ITIN process.

You will need to provide original documents or certified copies, such as a passport, national ID card, or birth certificate. The IRS provides a list of acceptable documents that can be submitted with the W7 form. 

When you appoint Beacon Hill Tax as your IRS Acceptance Agent, we check both the reasons you provide and the documentation for adherence to the W7 instructions, ensuring their completeness and accuracy. This greatly improves most applicants’ chances of a smooth ITIN process.

The W7 form and supporting documentation can be submitted 

• by mail to the IRS in the USA, 

• or through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent outside the USA, 

• or in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center within the USA.

Beacon Hill Tax is an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent and can assist you with your application.

It typically takes 7 to 11 weeks for the IRS to process the W7 form and issue an ITIN. Processing times may be longer during peak periods. 

It is important to point out that if the ITIN application is done from outside the USA (e.g. the form is sent from the UK) then the accompanying documentation (like a passport) will need to be submitted along with the form and the ITIN applicant won't have their passport for the duration of the 7-11 weeks until it is sent back to them by the IRS. 

Unless they make use of an approved IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (like Beacon Hill Tax), who can certify copies of the documents/passport to be sent and the applicant can keep their original documents/passport.

Using an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) offers several benefits:

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Specialised Training: CAAs undergo specialized training to be approved by the IRS. This ensures they are knowledgeable about the ITIN application process and the specific requirements for completing the W7 form correctly.

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Expert Advice: CAAs can provide expert advice on the ITIN application process, including determining if an ITIN is necessary for your situation. They can help you avoid unnecessary applications if other solutions are more practical or appropriate.

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Retention of Original Documents: CAAs can certify copies of your original documents, which means you can keep your original documents (like your passport) instead of mailing them to the IRS. This is especially beneficial for applicants applying from outside the USA.

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Documentation and Form Review: CAAs check your documentation and W7 form for completeness and accuracy. This reduces the likelihood of errors and rejections, as they ensure that all necessary information and supporting documents are correctly provided.

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Streamlined Process: By using a CAA, you can streamline the ITIN application process. They assist with gathering and submitting the required documents, making the overall experience smoother and more efficient.

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Higher Success Rate: With their expertise and thorough review process, CAAs can significantly increase your chances of a successful ITIN application, reducing delays and the need for resubmission.

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Beacon Hill Tax, as an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent, offers these advantages and can assist you throughout the ITIN application process. Please get in touch if you have any questions. 

To apply for an ITIN, complete the W7 form and submit it along with the required identification documents to the IRS by mail, through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent like Beacon Hill Tax, or in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in the USA. There are no IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers outside of the USA.

A TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is a general term for any number used by the IRS in the administration of tax laws. It includes Social Security Numbers (SSNs), Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), and Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs). The service that we provide is mainly aimed at assisting with the provision of ITINs.

You need a taxpayer identification number to file tax returns, claim tax treaty benefits, and comply with U.S. tax laws. It is also required for certain financial transactions. Generally, if you do business in the USA and receive income from USA sources, you will need to have an ITIN if you do not have an SSN or other Tax Identification Number.

Having a tax ID number is important for complying with tax laws, filing tax returns, and ensuring that you can engage in financial transactions that require tax identification.

The W7 form is necessary to apply for an ITIN, which allows individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) to comply with U.S. tax laws and fulfill their tax obligations.