How to Apply for an ITIN

Don't have a social security number and need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file your taxes and claim cash-back tax credits such as the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the Child Tax Credit ( YCTC)? No problem! Watch this video tutorial to learn how to apply for an ITIN on your own.

Note: ITINs are issued regardless of the taxpayer's immigration status, as both resident and non-resident aliens may have a US tax filing requirement under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), and should not be used to infer someone's immigration status or right to work in the United States.

[bobbyheenan]

I mailed my application on 3/24 and received my ITIN on 6/1, so be patient, processing time was 10 weeks! Passport is then returned in a separate mailing, so be prepared to be without it for a while.

Just follow the line-by-line instructions carefully, especially the requirement to include a foreign address on Line 3 if selecting Reason B (nonresident aliens). No need to pay money to somebody to do this for you as long as you can follow simple instructions. Just take your time, read instructions thoroughly, and be sure your W7 is complete.

[BestSportsHighlights]

So I need W-7 and 1040 forms send at some time? Is it possible to get some free advise how to fill 1040, W-7 is easy to fill. I get 1042-s form Google.

[sathyaprabajayaprakash]

Hi, if we apply through VITA, should we go to the IRS again or the process ends there?

[audratenzeldam]

How do I file my state taxes after receiving my I-TIN number? What documents do I need to include, should I fill in the I-TIN number on the state taxes, and do my documents need to be in a specific order? Questions are for filing by mail.

[Porterph]

SO this is only available in California. i am currently in the East Coast - NEW JERSEY / NEW YORK

[wilmarkjohnatty]

You dont make it abundantly clear that if using mail, you must send your ORIGINAL documents via mail - a very questionable proposition. Hardcopy can be a photocopy, paper scan or a copy that is certified (notary etc). This is not just "not ideal" but untenable. How can one send in their DP for 20 weeks?

[valerio.]

Hello, I am completing the W-7 form and have a question as I am in a complicated situation. I came to the US with a J1 visa for paid Trainee. My wife and I obtained the SSN. Before the J1 expiration, we applied for a change of status to B2. Subsequently, before the B2 expiration, we opened an LLC (50% me and 50% my wife) and applied for a change of status to E2. Now we are awaiting the final approval of the change of status to E2. However, we need to file our company tax return, and we require an ITIN for our 8-year-old daughter. Which option should I select? Option "G: Dependent/spouse of a nonresident alien holding a U.S. visa" (even though we don't have an actual visa but a change of status), or option "H: Other" writing "to be claimed as a dependent on parent's tax return." Any advice? Thank you.