How do i get an individual taxpayer identification number

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Table of Contents Show

• IRS Change to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Program
• How to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• What is a tax ID number?
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN)
• Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
• How much does it cost to get ITIN number?
• How can I get an ITIN number quickly?
• Is taxpayer ID same as SSN?
• How can I get ITN number?

The following information is summarized from the Internal Revenue Service web site: www.irs.gov.

An individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN, is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number, but who are not eligible to receive a Social Security number. ITINs are used only for federal tax reporting purposes and are issued regardless of the individual’s immigration status. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete Form W-7: Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

NOTE:  Your ITIN may expire before you file a tax return in 2019. All ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years will expire on December 31, 2018. Additionally, all ITINs issued before 2013 with middle digits of 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 81, or 82 (Example: (9XX-73-XXXX) will also expire at the end of the year.

For more information, visit: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf

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IRS Change to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Program

1. The IRS is implementing significant changes made to the ITIN program under the PATH Act of 2015.  The new law means that any ITIN not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years will no longer be valid as of January 1, 2017 for use on a tax return unless the taxpayer renews the ITIN.  In addition, all ITINs issued prior to 2013 have begun to expire in 2018, and taxpayers will need to renew them.
2. The first pre-2013 ITINs that will expire are those with middle digits of 78 and 79 (Example:  9XX-78-XXXX).  The renewal period for these ITINs began October 1, 2016.  The IRS began to mail letters to this group of taxpayers in August to inform them of the need to renew their ITINs in order to file a tax return, and explain the renewal steps.  The IRS will announce the schedule for expiration and renewal of ITINs that do not have middle digits of 78 and 79 at a future date.
3. If taxpayers have an expired ITIN, not renewed before filing a tax return next year, they might face a refund delay and be ineligible for certain tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit, until they renew the ITIN.  More information is available on the ITIN page at IRS.gov.

How to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code.
Individuals must have a filing requirement and file a valid federal income tax return to receive an ITIN, unless they meet an exception.

For information on obtaining an ITIN Abroad, please refer to the IRS website. To obtain the required ‘authorized’ copies, please set up an appointment for a notary service, as per our notary services page (true copies).

When you file your tax return or need to talk to the IRS, you’ll likely have to provide a tax identification number, which is also called a TIN or tax ID number. Here’s what a tax ID number is and how to apply for one.

What is a tax ID number?

A tax identification number, or TIN, is a unique nine-digit number that identifies you to the IRS. It's required on your tax return and requested in other IRS interactions. Social Security numbers are the most popular tax ID numbers, but four other kinds are popular too: the ITIN, EIN, ATIN and PTIN.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

What it is: An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, is a nine-digit tax ID number for nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses and their dependents who cannot get a Social Security number. The IRS issues the ITIN.

How to get an ITIN: To get an ITIN, fill out IRS Form W-7. You must prove your foreign/alien status and identity. Also, you must supply a federal income tax return to your Form W-7 (there are some exceptions; the instructions to the W-7 have the details). Organizations called “acceptance agents” have IRS authorization to help people get ITINs.

Notes: 

• ITINs always begin with the number 9.

• Expirations: Any individual tax ID number not used on a tax return at least once for tax years 2018, 2019 or 2020 expired at the end of 2021. ITINs with middle digits containing 70 through 88, and 90 through 99 (if assigned before 2013), have also expired.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

What it is: An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is a tax ID number for businesses that have employees; are corporations or partnerships; withhold taxes on income paid to nonresident aliens; have Keogh plans; are involved with certain types of organizations; or file employment, excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms tax returns. The principal business must be in the United States or a U.S. territory, and the person applying for the EIN (it must be an individual, not an entity) must already have a Social Security number, ITIN or other EIN. The IRS may require an estate or trust to get an EIN.

How to get an EIN: You can apply for this tax ID number online with the IRS. You can also fill out IRS Form SS-4 and fax it or mail it to the IRS. International applicants can call 1-267-941-1099 to get an EIN.

Note: Your business may also need a separate state employer ID number.

Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN)

What it is: An Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number, or ATIN, is a temporary, nine-digit tax ID number the IRS gives to people who are in the process of adopting a child. The IRS provides the number if the adopting parents cannot get a Social Security number for the child in time to file their tax return. The number identifies the child, not the parent, and is needed for the parent to claim the child as a dependent.

How to get an ATIN: To get an ATIN, file IRS Form W-7A. You’ll need to attach a copy of the placement documentation. The child must be legally placed in your home for adoption. If you’re adopting a child from another country, you can still get an ATIN, but there are more rules (see the details here).

Note: 

• You cannot claim the earned income tax credit with this tax ID number (you can only use a Social Security number to do that).

• It takes four to eight weeks to get an ATIN once the IRS gets your Form W-7A, so ask for it well before your tax return is due.

• Unless you notify the IRS that the adoption is still pending, the IRS will automatically deactivate an ATIN after two years.

Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

What it is: A PTIN is a Preparer Tax Identification Number. The IRS requires anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation to have a PTIN. Tax preparers must put their PTIN numbers on clients’ tax returns.

How to get a PTIN: Preparers can get PTINs from the IRS online in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, they can fill out and mail IRS Form W-12. That method takes about four to six weeks.

Note: 

• Volunteer preparers don’t need PTINs.

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How much does it cost to get ITIN number?

How can I get an ITIN number quickly?

Is taxpayer ID same as SSN?

How can I get ITN number?