Question 1

What is an ITIN?

Accepted Answer

An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to an individual who does not qualify for a Social Security number.  It's required and only used for filing a US tax return.

Question 2

Who needs an ITIN?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is a non-US citizen and is not eligible for a Social Security number needs an ITIN.  The most common reasons include:
 
1. Filing a tax return and paying taxes
2. Claiming a foreign spouse, children, or dependents on a tax return
3. Opening a US bank account (personal or business)
4. Starting a business or becoming a member of an LLC
5. Owning and investing in real estate in the United States​
6. Qualifying for a reduced tax withholding rate under a tax treaty
7. Applying to a US employer for a job, or applying for a mortgage or credit card, renting an apartment, etc.

Question 3

What documents are submitted with an ITIN application?

Accepted Answer

The ITIN application package includes:
 
1. A completed form W-7
2. Original identification documents or certified copies issued by a Certified Acceptance Agent
3. A completed US tax return (may not be required for certain applications)
4. Other documentations for exceptions (if applicable)

Question 4

Can I submit copies of my identification documents with my application?

Accepted Answer

No, only original documents or certified copies of the documents are accepted by the IRS.  The IRS can hold your original documents for up to 90 days, but ITIN Abroad is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) can provide certified copies with the submitted application.

Question 5

When do ITINs expire?

Accepted Answer

If your ITIN wasn’t included on a U.S. federal tax return at least once for tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020, your ITIN will expire on December 31, 2021. ITINs with middle digits (the fourth and fifth positions) “70,” “71,” “72,” “73,” “74,” “75,” “76,” “77,” “78,” “79,” “80,” “81,” “82,” “83,” “84,” “85,” “86,” “87,” or “88” have expired. In addition, ITINs with middle digits “90,” “91,” “92,” “94,” “95,” “96,” “97,” “98,” or “99,” IF assigned before 2013, have expired.

Question 6

When can I renew my ITIN?

Accepted Answer

Taxpayers whose ITINs are scheduled to expire may renew their ITIN immediately. You don’t have to wait for IRS to send a notice of expiration, if your middle digits have been identified for expiration by IRS. You should allow 7 weeks from the mailing date of the Form W-7, for the IRS to notify you of your ITIN application status (9 to 11 weeks if you submit the application during peak processing periods (January 15 through April 30) or if you’re filing from overseas).
 
Spouses and dependents residing outside of the U.S. cannot renew in advance. They may renew their ITIN only when filing an individual tax return, or someone else files an individual income tax return claiming them for an allowable tax benefit (such as a dependent parent who qualifies the primary taxpayer to claim head of household filing status). In these instances, they must attach a federal income tax return to their W-7 renewal application.

Question 7

Can I get a certified copy of my identity documents at a US embassy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can get certified copies of your foreign identification at a US embassy.  However, you still have to complete the W-7 and gather any other required documents yourself.  Most ITIN applications are rejected due to errors on the W-7 form.  To avoid risking rejection, consider hiring ITIN Abroad to make sure your application is filed right the first time!

Question 8

How does your refund policy work?

Accepted Answer

I guarantee you will receive an ITIN with my service because I stand behind the accuracy of my work. However, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of your tax return or any supporting documentation you provide which I did not prepare. If the IRS rejects your ITIN due to a tax return error or supporting documentation issue, your money will not be refunded.

If the application needs to be resent or amended to correct supporting documentation, this can be arranged for an additional fee. ITIN Abroad will work directly with the IRS to resolve any application issues with the IRS so you can get an ITIN!

Question 9

What countries does ITIN Abroad serve?

Accepted Answer

I can help clients in the following countries:
 
Albania
Andorra
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia & Herzigovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
The Republic of Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russian Federation
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Vatican City

Question 10

Do you serve clients outside Europe?

Accepted Answer

Although my business is primarily for Europe, if your country isn't listed in the shipping options, then please write me a note via the contact form.  Depending on your location, I may be able to help!

Frequently Asked Questions