How to Apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
An ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗ lets you file US taxes and open bank accounts even without a Social Security number. You fill out Form W-7, prove your identity with original documents, and mail everything to the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 8 steps
- Before You Go 15 min
Confirm you actually need an ITIN
You need an ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗ only if you do NOT qualify for a Social Security number but must file US taxes. Check the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ eligibility list first.
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- Before You Go 1–2 days
Gather identity documents
Original passport is the strongest single document. Without it, you need certified copies of multiple documents (foreign birth certificate, national ID, driver's license, etc.).
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- Fill / Prepare 30 min
Fill out Form W-7
Download Form W-7 from irs.gov. Complete all required fields: name, foreign address, reason for applying (usually exception category). Do not leave the reason blank.
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- Fill / Prepare 1–2 hours
Prepare your tax return
Complete Form 1040US Individual Income Tax Return — The standard federal income tax form. Variants like 1040-SR (seniors) and schedules attach to it.Click for official info ↗ for the current tax year. The IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ will reject a W-7 that arrives without a tax return attached.
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- Submit & Pay 1 day
Mail everything to the IRS
Send the W-7, tax return, and ORIGINAL identity documents to the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗ Operation address in Austin, TX. Use a trackable mail service.
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- Wait 7–11 weeks
Wait for processing
Normal processing takes 7–11 weeks. The IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ will mail your original documents back separately from your ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗ letter.
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- Follow Up 30 min
Follow up if delayed
If you have not heard back after 11 weeks, call the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗ hotline with your mailing receipt handy.
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- Receive —
Receive your ITIN letter (CP565)
Store the CP565 letter safely. Your ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗ is a 9-digit number starting with 9. It expires if unused on a tax return for 3 consecutive years.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an ITIN cost money?
No. The IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ never charges a fee for an ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗. Beware of paid services charging large amounts — you can also apply in person for free at IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ Taxpayer Assistance Centers or use IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗-certified acceptance agents.
Can I get an ITIN with a photocopy of my passport?
No. The IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ requires original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Regular notarized photocopies are not accepted for the passport alone.
Does an ITIN give me the right to work?
No. An ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗ is for tax filing only. It does not authorize work in the US or make you eligible for Social Security benefits.
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