If you are asking yourself, “How long does it take to get an ITIN number?”, then you are in good company. Many people who require an ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, will be keen to know the length of time that it takes to get one.
Whether you are an alien from a foreign land, a nonresident alien, or someone who does not qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN), the ITIN enables you to file your taxes and comply with U.S. tax laws. But how long does it take to get one? Let’s break it down step by step.
What is an ITIN and Who Needs One?
All that processing time later, let’s quickly take a peek at what an ITIN is and why you may need it. An ITIN, or Internal Revenue Service Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a unique 9-digit number issued by the IRS to tax filers who are required to file taxes in the United States but are not eligible to receive a Social Security number.
Such a list includes nonresidents, foreign investors, international students, even dependents of U.S. residents. But what’s so special about an ITIN?
File US taxes: You are going to have to pay taxes, even if you’re qualified for an SSN because you are earning income in the US.
Open a bank account: You can attempt to open an account to determine if a specific bank requires your ITIN.
Claim tax benefits: There are certain tax credits, like the Child Tax Credit, where you will need an ITIN.
How Long Will It Take to Receive an ITIN Number?
Then, how long would you have to wait after requesting your ITIN? Depending on a myriad of factors, waiting time can vary, but the general waiting period is between 7 and 11 weeks. To add clarity, here’s a breakdown:
Regular Processing Time: In the event that all of your documents are in order and you submit your ITIN Application (Form W-7) properly, then the IRS processes it after 7 to 11 weeks.
Pre-tax season: You will still submit your application at any time during the year. Thus, processing can take longer, up to 14 weeks.
Incomplete applications: When the IRS identifies issues with your application, for instance, some documents are incomplete or you have errors, it is going to extend much more. The IRS will write to you stating that it needs more information from you to continue further. This consequently causes further delay in the procedure.
Average time: 7 to 14 weeks after you submit your request, depending on the time of year and whether you finish your application.
Apply for an ITIN
Now that we have covered processing time, let’s make a brief excursion about how to apply for an ITIN. This appears as if it might be a pretty complicated process but if you work your way through it step by step, it is actually quite simple.
Fill Out Form W-7: The application form is called Form W-7, “Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.” You can download it from the IRS website.
Provide Original Documents: You will be asked to provide original documents or certified copies from some official source which demonstrate that you are who you are, and you are foreign-born. Sometimes it will be your passport, sometimes it will be your visa, and sometimes it will be some other form of government-issued I.D.
Filing: You have three choices of how to file.
- By mail: You complete Form W-7 along with your identification documents and mail them to the IRS.
- In person: You can also walk into an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) if you want to file.
- Through a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA): A CAA is authorized by the IRS to help people acquire an ITIN. They can check your documents and forward your application to the IRS for you.
Wait for Approval: You shall receive a mail notification when the application is processed by the IRS as long as the application is without errors.
For more speed in getting your ITIN, you could take the following tips:
Apply early: If possible, avoid the tax season peak periods. The filing queue is usually light before and just after the tax season, so your application might be processed sooner.
Double-check those documents: Make sure you attach all correct and complete application support documents. You would avoid delays caused by the IRS due to incorrect or incomplete supporting documentation.
Use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA): A CAA can help validate your documents prior to submitting your application and occasionally speed up the process.
What If You Miss This Deadline?
You might be wondering what is going to happen if you do not get your ITIN number before the tax filing deadline.
No problem; there are ways for handling such a situation. If you file your taxes without your ITIN, then the IRS will hold your return in abeyance until your ITIN application is processed. Until you get your ITIN, you will not get any refunds or credits, but the system would still have your tax return.
Tip: If you’re getting close to the tax deadline and still have not received your ITIN, you might want to file for an extension so you will have more time before receiving your number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work in the US with an ITIN? No, an ITIN does not allow you to work in the US. It is only used for tax purposes.
Can I obtain my ITIN outside of the U.S.? Yes. You can obtain it even if you are not in the U.S. by mailing or applying through a CAA.
Do I need to update my existing ITIN? Yes. ITINs have a validity period, and you’ll have to renew them if you continue using them for tax filing purposes.
Conclusion
The main question: How long will it take me to get an ITIN number? This usually takes 7 to 11 weeks, but this can be even longer if you apply during the tax season or if there’s a problem with your application.
To make sure that you get your ITIN within the shortest possible period, remember to apply as early as possible, recheck your documents, and maybe look into using a CAA to help you out in the process. Now that you know how it’s done, go ahead and apply for that ITIN.
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.