What an ITIN is, and who needs one
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to people who have a US tax filing or reporting requirement but aren't eligible for a Social Security number. You typically need one if you are:
- A spouse of a US taxpayer, to be included on a joint return
- A child or other dependent who can't get an SSN, so they can be claimed on your return
- A non-resident who must file a US tax return, for example to report US rental income
- A resident alien, based on days present in the US, who isn't eligible for an SSN
Good to know: an ITIN is for tax purposes only. It does not authorize work in the US and does not provide eligibility for Social Security benefits.
Why use a Certifying Acceptance Agent
Normally, ITIN applicants must mail original identity documents, often their passport, to the IRS and wait weeks for them to come back. As an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA), GPT is authorized to verify those documents ourselves and send the IRS a certificate of accuracy instead. That means:
- In many cases your original passport stays with you
- Fewer applications are rejected for missing or incorrect documents
- We check the W-7 and the supporting tax return before anything is sent
What's included
- Eligibility check and the right W-7 reason code for each applicant
- Preparation of Form W-7 for you, your spouse and dependents
- Document verification as a Certifying Acceptance Agent
- Preparation of the federal tax return the application must be attached to
- Mailing to the IRS ITIN office and follow-up until the number is issued
- Renewal of expired ITINs
How it works
Eligibility call. We confirm who needs an ITIN and which documents each person has.
Document verification. We verify identity documents as a CAA, in person or through a secure verification process.
Application and return. We prepare Form W-7 together with your federal tax return.
Submission and follow-up. We submit the package and track it until the IRS issues the ITIN, which usually takes several weeks.
Documents you'll need
The IRS accepts 13 types of identity documents. A valid passport is the only one that proves both identity and foreign status on its own. Without a passport, you'll need a combination of other documents, such as a national identity card and a birth certificate for dependents. We'll tell you exactly what each applicant needs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for an ITIN without filing a tax return?
In most cases, no. The W-7 must be attached to a federal tax return that shows why you need the number. There are limited exceptions, for example for certain treaty benefits or third-party reporting, which we can check for you.
My ITIN has expired. What do I do?
ITINs that haven't been used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years expire. You renew by submitting a new W-7 marked as a renewal. We can do this together with this year's return.
Does my child with an ITIN qualify for the Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit requires the child to have a valid SSN. A dependent with an ITIN may still qualify for the smaller Credit for Other Dependents. We'll claim whichever credit applies.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
The IRS usually processes applications within several weeks, and it can take longer during peak filing season. We'll keep you informed as it moves through.
