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ITIN Services in Canada. At U.S. Tax IQ, we are committed to assist you in obtaining the IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by simplifying your life, by ensuring that your application is filed properly and processed by the IRS within reasonable timeframe, and by finding solutions to unorthodox situations that may need an experienced U.S. tax professional’s involvement. We can assist you in obtaining an ITIN, as well as renewing your ITIN, where applicable, in a seamless and stress-free way.
As an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), we can also save your time by certifying your original documents, without sending the originals to the IRS. If you are not sure if you require an ITIN, or if you are eligible for one, check out some key facts about this important tax number.
The IRS is currently processing new or renewal ITIN applications filed in December 2022.
[The information last updated on February 6, 2023]
What is an ITIN and Who Needs One?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN, is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which is designed for foreign individuals (non US-persons) who are required to file a US federal tax return, or have other IRS filing requirements, but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).
SSNs are typically only available to citizens of the United States, those who hold green cards and those who are authorized to work in the United States.
If you are required to file a federal tax return in the United States, but are ineligible for a Social Security Number, you need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS. In order to apply for an ITIN, you are required to file Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, with the IRS. You can download Form W-7 and Instructions to Form W-7 here
In the past, the IRS accepted tax returns without ITIN numbers, but that is no longer the case. The IRS processing center will generally reject any documents submitted without an SSN or ITIN. While submitting a form to the IRS sounds simple enough, the ITIN process can become complex and lengthy. U.S. Tax IQ is here to help.
8 Facts To Keep In Mind About ITINs
- ITINs are typically required for U.S. federal tax reporting purposes only.
- Having an ITIN lets you file taxes and claim dependents you support in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
- Regardless of your immigration status in the United States, you can be issued an ITIN. Even some people who have never entered the United States may require an ITIN.
- Having an ITIN does not authorize you to work in the United States.
- ITIN does not provide eligibility for Social Security Benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit.
- To Receive an ITIN, foreign individuals must have an IRS filing or reporting requirement. They need to file a valid U.S Federal income tax return, unless they meet an exception (in which case, they will be required to provide certain supporting documentation to the IRS).
- If you qualify, an ITIN allows you to obtain a refund of taxes withheld in the United States, provided that you file a U.S. tax return, when applicable.
- An ITIN may be required to open a U.S. bank account or apply for a loan in the United States.
Both Services for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Include Renewal and Courier Charge
ITIN Application Service - In person
Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (Including renewal and courier charge)
$560.62 CAD (HST included)
ITIN Application Service - Video
Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (Including renewal and courier charge)
$664.86 CAD (HST included)
Can I Renew ITIN? Or Do I Need a New One?
Pursuant to The Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, enacted in December 2015, taxpayers who have not used their ITIN to file a U.S. tax return at least once in the last three years must renew their ITIN before filing a tax return. You must also renew your ITIN if your ITIN was issued before 2013 and includes middle digits of 88 (for instance, 9XX-88-XXXX). Taxpayers whose ITIN has middle digits 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99, that were issued before 2013 will expire on December 31, 2021 (unless you have already renewed them). The ITINs with middle digits 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 or 88 have also expired in 2016, 2017, 2018, or 2019 (unless already renewed). Such ITINs can also be renewed if you are planning on filing your 2021 tax year U.S. tax return. With limited exceptions, you are generally not required to attach your tax return to Form W-7 to renew your ITIN. The renewal period started on October 1, 2016 and is currently ongoing.
All ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years will expire on December 31, 2021. (IRS)
7 Facts to Know About ITIN Certified Acceptance Agents Infographics
The ITIN Application Process And Required Documents
Generally, you are required to attach a U.S. tax return to Form W-7 to apply for ITIN. Your application should also have an original proof of identity documents, or certified copies supplied by the issuing agency along with any foreign status documents. The IRS approves the following documents as valid proof of identity:
- Passport (the only standalone document)
- Natural Identification Card (Name/Photo/Address/DOB/Expiration Date)
- U.S Driver’s License
- U.S State Identification Card
- Civil Birth Certificate (Those under 18 years old)
- Medical Records (For dependents under 6 years old)
- School Records ( For dependents under 14 and under 18 if a student)
- Foreign Driver’s License
- Foreign Voter’s Registration Card
- Foreign Military Identification Card
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
- VISA
- U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Photo ID
After an application has been completed and filed with the IRS, it will be processed by the IRS ITIN Processing Center in Austin, TX. Average processing time is 7-11 weeks, but can vary depending on individual circumstances. You can also get in touch with the IRS through a hotline to check the status of your application, as well as in the case of a processing delay. Once approved, you will receive a letter from the IRS with your ITIN.
Save Time and Don’t Stress - Let U.S. Tax IQ Help with Your ITIN Application
At U.S Tax IQ, we are here to help make your ITIN application process a breeze. Don’t stress out and let us handle it. As the IRS Certified Acceptance Agent, we have the ability to certify original passport or birth certificate and verify any supporting documentation that you provide, meaning you can hold onto all original documents after we validate and confirm them.
If you are unable to visit us in person, we can arrange for a video conference. As long as you have sent us your original documents and we have them in our possession during the interview, we can certify your original documents via video conference..
Alternatively, you can visit a Canada Passport office to get a copy of your Passport certified for your ITIN application. Note that there is a fee for that certification. The processing times vary from 10 days to a few weeks, and in some cases a premium processing may be available. Please check with the Canada Passport office accordingly.
You can schedule an appointment with and visit IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) to apply for ITIN. The IRS has local TAC offices in the United States only and TAC representative would certify your original documents and accept your ITIN application at the time of your scheduled appointment. It may take a few weeks before the opening, but you have this option to apply for ITIN as well, especially, if you are in the United States or are planning to travel there.
If none of the above options works for you, you can send your Form W-7 and original documents to the IRS directly. Note that you would be without your original document (such as passport, for example) for as long as 7 to 11 weeks (that includes mailing). Unfortunately, the IRS would not send you the original documents via private delivery service (such as FEDEX, UPS, or DHL).
When applying with U.S Tax IQ, you will only need to send copies of original documents to the IRS, not originals. All you are required to do is bring in your paperwork, and then sign Form W-7.
With two offices around GTA one in Oakville and one in Toronto U.S. Tax IQ is well suited to serving clients in GTA, Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan. Our experienced and dedicated team US Tax Advisors and US Tax Attorney are ready to assist you with ITIN application process and other US tax and international tax related services.
* Please note that this information is based on ITIN applications applied for with the help of our office. Although this information is updated regularly, we cannot guarantee that the stated timeframe will apply to your case. However, this information should give you a rough idea on the current IRS ITIN processing times.