1. What is an ITIN?
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a tax identification number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
It is designed for individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) but are required to comply with U.S. tax obligations.
An ITIN is not an immigration document and does not grant work authorization or legal status. It is used only for tax and related compliance purposes.
2. Who needs to apply for an ITIN?
You generally need an ITIN if you are a non-U.S. resident and:
Earn income from U.S. sources, such as:
Stock trading, ETFs, dividends, or other investments
Sale or rental of U.S. real estate
Freelance or platform income (e-commerce, design, consulting, etc.)
Own a Single-Member LLC (SMLLC) that requires pass-through tax reporting
Need to file a U.S. tax return but are not eligible for an SSN
Are required to provide a tax ID to payment processors such as Stripe, PayPal, or Shopify Payments
Are asked to provide a tax ID for certain U.S. banking or financial applications
3. What happens if I do not have an ITIN when one is required?
Without an ITIN, you may face:
Automatic 30% federal withholding on U.S.-source income
Inability to claim tax refunds or deductions
Failed or restricted payment processor account verification
Issues with banks or financial institutions
Higher compliance costs later due to corrections or penalties
4. What is the difference between an ITIN and an SSN?
Item | ITIN | SSN |
Purpose | Tax identification only | Tax + Social Security |
Immigration status | No | Yes |
Work authorization | No | Yes |
Typical users | Non-U.S. residents without SSN eligibility | U.S. citizens / residents |
👉 An ITIN cannot be used for employment, Social Security benefits, or immigration purposes.
5. How long does it take to get an ITIN?
ITIN processing time is entirely controlled by the IRS.
Based on current practical experience:
ITIN number issuance: approximately 78 days
IRS confirmation letter received at our U.S. address: approximately 87 days
Once received, we provide a scanned copy immediately
Processing times may vary depending on IRS workload and policy changes.
6. What documents are required to apply for an ITIN?
In most cases, you only need to provide:
✅ A clear, high-quality passport scan (scanned copy recommended)
✅ A complete residential (home) address
✅ Additional information if specifically required by the IRS
When applying through an IRS-certified Acceptance Agent, original passport mailing is not required.
7. Why apply for an ITIN through an IRS-Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA)?
Using a Certified Acceptance Agent offers key advantages:
No need to mail your original passport
Higher approval success rate due to pre-review
Reduced risk of rejection
Avoidance of expensive and risky international shipping
A more secure and efficient process overall
8. Can I apply for an ITIN without filing a tax return?
Generally, no.
The IRS requires a valid tax purpose for issuing an ITIN. Common qualifying situations include:
Filing Form 1040-NR
Reporting U.S. investment, real estate, or business income
Pass-through reporting for a Single-Member LLC
Standalone or “blank” ITIN applications are typically not accepted.
9. What is the basic ITIN application process?
The standard process includes:
Client submits required information and documents
CAA reviews passport and identity materials
Form W-7 is completed
Application package is mailed to the IRS
IRS reviews and issues the ITIN
Confirmation letter is received and scanned for delivery
10. Can I check the status of my ITIN application?
You may review the IRS’s publicly posted current W-7 processing month to determine whether your application is likely under review.
Please note:
The IRS does not provide individual real-time tracking
The status page usually reflects only the most recent processing period
We assist clients by interpreting progress based on mailing dates and experience
11. Does an ITIN expire? How do I keep it active?
An ITIN is not permanent.
If used at least once within any consecutive 3-year period, it remains active
If not used for three consecutive years, it may be deactivated by the IRS
A single valid tax filing resets the 3-year activity period.
12. Can a deactivated ITIN be reactivated?
Yes, but it requires:
Submitting an ITIN renewal application
Providing identity documents again
Waiting for IRS re-approval
Reactivation typically takes more time and effort than maintaining an active ITIN.
13. What are common reasons for ITIN application rejection?
Common issues include:
Unclear or reflective passport scans
Incomplete or inconsistent address information
Lack of a valid tax purpose
Errors on Form W-7
Missing or non-compliant supporting documents
Applying through a CAA significantly reduces these risks.
14. What can I use an ITIN for after it is issued?
An ITIN can be used for:
Filing tax returns and claiming refunds
Tax compliance with payment processors
Banking and financial compliance
Pass-through tax reporting for Single-Member LLCs
It cannot be used for employment, immigration, or identity verification purposes.
15. Do you provide tax filing services?
We primarily assist with ITIN application and compliance process support.
Tax return preparation and filing should be handled by a licensed U.S. CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA).