Sometimes even foreign nationals are also required to submit their federal tax returns. Since they do not have a Social Security Number, their tax identification cannot be made in such a situation. And to ease the process of tax identification of foreign nationals, the IRS issues an ITIN to those persons.

For getting an ITIN, you need to make an application to the IRS with all the documents showing your identity and foreign residential status along with FORM W-7. To ease up the process and reduce the procedural time, you can take assistance from an IRS-certified acceptance agent.

What is an ITIN?

An individual tax identification number is the tax return processing number that is assigned by Internal revenue services. A person who is required to file a federal tax return but does not have a Social Security Number or is not eligible to obtain an SSN can make an ITIN application. The critical point is a person cannot have an ITIN and an SSN.

ITIN and SSN are different; ITIN gives you identity only for tax purposes. Apart from the tax system, ITIN is not valid. But a Social Security Number is suitable for most of the services and also for identification.

There is a list of documents to prove your identity and foreign status. You also need to enclose your federal tax return, or in case there is some other need, the supporting documents are to be enclosed. Original copies of your identification and foreign status documents are needed to be submitted.

 

Who is required to get ITIN?

The primary reason one needs an ITIN is to file federal tax returns, but sometimes you might be required to furnish your ITIN for some purposes. Majorly it is for tax filing & Reporting purposes only, and it is granted regardless of your immigration status because both a resident and non-resident might need to file the tax return.

ITIN is required only for tax filing purposes and has the following limitations:

• It does not authorize you to work in the U.S.
• You do not get social security benefits through your ITIN.
• It is not valid as an identification apart from the tax system. ITIN is an identification number but only for tax purposes.

When and how can you get the ITIN?

The essential requirement to apply for ITIN is when you are required to file a tax return, also there are few exceptions to it depending upon your requirement. But the time when you should apply for it is also crucial so that you do not have to pay any penalties or interest.

Along with the identity documents and your federal tax return, you need to fill up the form. The application form is a detailed one and should be filled only after reading the instructions issued by the department.

Who is an IRS-certified acceptance agent?

Just like you need assistance from a professional when you make a USA LLC Company registration application, the same way you need service for an ITIN application. A Certified acceptance agent is a person who assists people and various foreign agents who need ITIN. Still, being certified, he is registered with the Internal Revenue Service and has a written agreement with IRS. He makes the process of ITIN application easy for those who need it. He does this by checking all the documents and also authenticating the identity of applicants. He sends the application to the IRS.

Benefits of applying for ITIN through IRS CAA

Receiving the ITIN on your behalf

The certified agent can receive the IRS ITIN application on behalf of the person who needs it. With that

No need to submit the original documents

The benefit of applying for an ITIN through an IRS-certified acceptance agent is that he will give back the original documents at the same time after reviewing them. In other cases, you would have to send them to the IRS initially and wait for some months to get them back. He reviews the documents and gives the certificate of accuracy.

It is a significant benefit because you may violate the immigration rules by not having them in hand when you send the original documents to the IRS.

Authorization of Video conferencing tool

He is also authorized to review the documents issuing agency on a video conferencing tool.

Suitability of time and duration

Another benefit you get from applying through a CAA is meeting and visiting them at a time suitable to you. And can even meet them multiple times to ensure that your application gets approved.

Difference between a Normal Person and CAA

Submission of original documents

When you choose to apply for ITIN through yourself or an unapproved person, although you are taking professional services, that professional still has certain limitations in making the application. that a normal individual cannot authorize your original documents. He can indeed review them and correct you for any incompleteness, but he will have to submit your original documents to the department.

Receiving the ITIN

A Normal Person cannot receive the ITIN on your behalf. The IRS will give the number only to the original applicant, who takes time, or a Certified acceptance agent.

Professional assistance

A certified acceptance agent can give you professional assistance in correcting any inconsistencies in the documents. But without a Certified acceptance agent, the procedure takes time as the ITIN will be issued to the applicant, and the original documents will be mailed back to the applicant after a few days or months.

Conclusion

A certified acceptance agent is a suitable person who can make the process of getting ITIN simpler. He can simply review and authorize your documents and submit photocopies with FORM W-7. Also, when you go through a CAA, you need not submit the original documents and wait for months to get them back.

If you want to apply for ITIN through CAA, EZCorporates are here to help you. We are an IRS-certified acceptance agent, willing to serve you and ease up the process. Book your appointment through the call.