If you need to file U.S. taxes but don’t have a Social Security number, you need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). I prepare and file ITIN applications as an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent — which means you keep your passport in your hands the entire time.
Price: $300 flat
One price. No surprises. The ITIN itself is free from the IRS — the $300 covers my service: preparing your application, verifying your documents, and handling the filing correctly the first time.
Who needs an ITIN?
You need an ITIN if you have a U.S. tax filing obligation but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number. Common situations:
- Nonresident aliens filing a U.S. tax return
- Spouses or dependents of U.S. citizens or residents claimed on a return
- Foreign nationals with U.S.-source income subject to withholding
- People claiming a tax treaty benefit
- Foreign owners of U.S. LLCs or partnerships
The CAA advantage: your passport never leaves your hands
This is the part that matters. There are three ways to apply for an ITIN:
- By mail: you send your original passport to the IRS in Austin, Texas — and wait weeks to get it back.
- At an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center: free, but appointments can take weeks to get.
- With me, an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA): I verify your passport in person, sign a Certificate of Accuracy confirming it’s genuine, and send the certification to the IRS. Your passport stays with you. Always.
A CAA is a tax professional who has a formal agreement with the IRS to authenticate identity documents. I also review your Form W-7 for the errors that cause most rejections, and I can work directly with the IRS to resolve any issues on your application.
What’s included
- Preparation and review of IRS Form W-7
- In-person verification of your passport and supporting documents
- Certificate of Accuracy signed and submitted with your application
- Submission of your complete application package to the IRS
- Follow-up with the IRS if any issues arise
How it works
- Book an appointment — tell me your situation so I can confirm you qualify.
- Bring your documents — typically a valid passport, which proves both identity and foreign status.
- I verify, certify, and file — your originals stay with you; the IRS gets my certification.
- You receive your ITIN — the IRS mails an assignment letter (CP565). Current processing is typically 6–11 weeks, with the longer end during tax season (January–April).
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long does it take to get an ITIN?
A: The IRS currently processes ITIN applications in about 6–11 weeks. During tax season (mid-January through April), expect 9–11 weeks. Apply in the fall and your number is in hand before tax season starts.
Q: Does an ITIN let me work in the U.S.?
A: No. An ITIN is for tax filing only. It does not authorize employment and does not change your immigration status.
Q: Does my ITIN expire?
A: Yes, if you don’t use it. An ITIN expires on December 31 of the third consecutive tax year in which it isn’t used on a federal tax return. Renewal uses the same Form W-7 (checking the “renew” box) — and your number stays the same. If you file every year, this never becomes an issue.
Q: Can anyone promise me an ITIN in a few days?
A: No — and be careful. Nobody can speed up the IRS. Anyone promising an ITIN in days, or asking you to pay the IRS a fee, is not legitimate. The ITIN itself is always free from the IRS.
Apply before tax season — not during it
Every January, ITIN applications surge and processing stretches to the long end. If you know you’ll need an ITIN to file, starting now means your number arrives before the rush.
Book your ITIN appointment — $300. Contact me through the form below or call to schedule. Bring your passport; I’ll handle the rest.