Another good working measure is to obtain an ITIN to register your spouse in the U.S. tax system, in case they do not own an SSN and are equal to U.S. taxation systems. ITIN will help non-resident and resident aliens in correct filing.
More about this process and where to apply online for non-residents and with help follows in this guide.
What Is the ITIN Number? Why Is It Necessary?
It is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America for individuals who are obligated, by federal law, to have a tax-filing requirement but do not possess or are not qualified to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
This number is nine digits in length, always beginning with the number “9,” and formatted like an SSN. For example: 9XX-XX-XXXX.
Tax Filing: It allows filing of federal tax returns for an individual who does not posses an SSN.
Compliance: To be compliant with U.S. tax laws, failing to file the return might result in a penalty for non-filing.
Claiming Benefits: Some tax benefits and deductions are eligible, like the dependent exemption which can be claimed for the spouse.
Opening Financial Accounts: One can open a bank account and avail loan facilities from other financial institutions.
How to Get an ITIN Number for Spouse?
Applying for an individual taxpayer identifier number for a spouse online is quite easy, with attention to detail. Here is how.
Obtain Necessary Documents: You’ll need to gather such documents as:
An IRS Form W-7 “Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number,” fully prepared.
Passport/national ID card/birth certificate in original or certified copies.
Federal income tax return, that is, unless one is unqualified in an exception.
Submit a Complete Form W-7 Fill out the form properly. Make sure the information corresponds to the document supporting the information.
Submit the Application
You can send the form and documents through the following ways:
Mail Send to the address of the IRS as indicated
Certified Acceptance Agents (CAA) What they do is that they can attest to the correctness of the documents and mail them to the IRS for processing
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) M
Through TAC – visit in person to mail the form.
Wait for Processing: The IRS usually gives a processing time of 7-11 weeks for the application and issuing the ITIN.
How to Get ITIN Number for Non-Resident?
The process for obtaining an ITIN is similar for non-resident spouses, but there are additional considerations to be made. These include:
Non-Resident Status Documentation: It is essential for non-residents to prove their status. This, in turn, calls for intricate documents displaying the visa or immigration documents.
Tax Treaty Benefits: If appropriate, claim tax treaty benefits by attaching Form 8233 or 8833 to your W-7 application.
Verification: Verification of documents will have to be done through a U.S. embassy or consulate in the absence of a CAA or TAC.
How to Get ITIN Number for Spouse with Us?
Getting ITIN number with Us for your spouse couldn’t get any easier.
Choose a service that is authorized at the least by the IRS, such as Certified Acceptance Agents.
Provide all necessary and required documents to the service processing.
The service processing will take up form W-7, fill it in, and mail it back, showing all the requirements it contains.
The service will, after sending all the documents, keep track and enable one to know whether their application has been approved up until the ITIN has been granted.
Conclusion
It is important to get an ITIN for your spouse in order to comply with the laws of the United States, and access some financial benefits.
The process is involving and of vital importance; the preparation has to be done very carefully, and details—like applying online, handling it as a nonresident, or using a professional service have to be attended to.
With the steps outlined above, while making sure you have all your documentation in order, you can successfully ensure your spouse receives an ITIN for smooth tax filing and financial planning of any kind.
For more detailed information on Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), including how to apply and legal considerations, visit the IRS official page on ITINs.
For further assistance with ITIN applications, check out our ITIN page. Stay informed and compliant to navigate the complexities of employing ITIN holders legally and ethically.