Taxpayer Identification Numbers Required for all U.S. Returns

 

Effective for 1996 and future returns, the IRS will hold processing of all returns filed which do not have a proper Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for the taxpayer and all dependents on the return.
 
Social Security Number

For U.S. citizens and resident aliens, a valid Social Security Number (SSN) must be used. Persons who require a SSN must file form SS-5 with IRS to obtain a number. (Please note that applicants over 18 years of age applying for a SSN for the first time must attend in person and provide appropriate identification.)

A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen qualifies for United States citizenship even if the child is a resident of a foreign country and if the other parent is not a U.S. citizen. A SSN is required for all children born before December 1996.
 
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Persons not eligible for a Social Security Number (nonresident aliens and others not entitled to work in the United States) who file U.S. returns should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by filing form W-7. An application for an ITIN will not affect the individual’s current or future immigration status in the United States.

As Certifying Acceptance Agents, we can expedite the issuance of Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs). Any applicant for an ITIN must submit certain specified ORIGINAL identification proving identity and alien status, before an ITIN is issued. Normally, this original identification must be taken to an office of the Internal Revenue Service, sent to the IRS ITIN Unit in Austin, TX, or conveyed to a Certifying Acceptance Agent for review and certification.
 
This means that rather than sending ORIGINAL identification documents to an IRS office, our clients may provide that information to us, and we can expedite the issuance of an ITIN.
 
Procedures for Obtaining an ITIN

The ITIN is for tax purposes only. It does not entitle the bearer to social security benefits, and creates no inference regarding immigration status or right to work in the United States. Any individual who is eligible to be legally employed in the United States should not apply for an ITIN, but must have an SSN.

As Certifying Acceptance Agents, we are required to notify you that:

  • The ITIN cannot be used to claim the earned income tax credit under section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code;
  • The possession of an ITIN does not change the applicant's immigration status or entitle the applicant to legal employment in the United States;
  • The ITIN does not take the place of an SSN or qualify the applicant for Social Security benefits;
  • If you or your family members obtain permanent resident alien (green card) status or otherwise become legally eligible to work in the United States, you may be eligible for an SSN;
  • If any applicant later becomes eligible for an SSN, the ITIN may no longer be used, and an SSN must be obtained from the Social Security Administration;
An ITIN may be obtained by completing and signing form W-7 for each applicant, and by providing to us ORIGINAL documents which prove the identity and alien status of the applicant. We will examine the original documents provided, and will, in our capacity as Certifying Acceptance Agents, submit the completed form to the Internal Revenue Service. We will not submit any completed form W-7 in this capacity, unless we have satisfied ourselves that the documentation you have provided is adequate and meets standards set out in legislation. We will return your original documentation to you when we have reviewed it.


What Identification is Required for an ITIN?

In order to certify your form W-7, we will require that you prove to us your claims of alien status and identity. We shall require the following ORIGINAL documents for this purpose:

  1. Passport or INS document establishing the non U.S. status and residence of the applicant; or
  2. Foreign birth record and one of the following, which must bear a photograph, has not expired, and is not older than three years:
    • Drivers license;
    • Identity Card;
    • Voters Registration Card;
    • School records;
    • Medical Records;
    • Marriage record;
    • Military registration card; and
  3. If the applicant is residing in the United States, please provide the U.S. visa or other proof of ineligibility for an SSN.

When the application is approved, we will obtain the ITIN on form 9844 from IRS, and will provide you with the original form 9844.

Corporations and Other Entities

In the case of an EIN, normally required by a corporation or business entity doing business in the United States, a form SS-4 must be completed. In many cases an EIN is available over the telephone through the Tele-TIN program at certain IRS offices. As Certifying Acceptance Agents, we can apply for an EIN on your behalf, upon receipt of a Power of Attorney from you.