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Kateryna Dzhevaga·IRS CAA · Authorized IRS e-file Provider·Federal practice (all 50 states)·EN · RU · UK
ITIN for non-residents

How to get a US ITIN — CAA service

ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) — a tax ID for US non-residents. I submit Form W-7 as a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA, IRS-authorized) — without sending passports to IRS, without a trip to the US.

Book an ITIN appointment

What is an ITIN and why you need one

ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax identifier issued by the IRS to individuals who must pay US taxes but are not eligible for an SSN (Social Security Number). Format: 9XX-XX-XXXX (always starts with 9). Who needs an ITIN: 1. Non-residents who must file a US tax return (1040-NR) — for example because they have a US LLC, US rental property, US-source investment income, or other US-source income subject to US tax. 2. Foreign spouses of US persons claiming joint filing status (married filing jointly election under §6013(g)/(h)). 3. Foreign children of US residents claimed as dependents on the parent's return. 4. Foreign students with US scholarships/grants reportable to IRS. 5. Buyers of US real estate from foreign sellers (FIRPTA withholding context). ITIN does NOT grant: work authorization, immigration status, Social Security benefits, Medicare, or EITC eligibility. It is strictly a tax-identification tool. Once issued, an ITIN stays valid as long as it's used at least once every 5 years on a US tax return. Otherwise it must be renewed via a new Form W-7.
Certifying Acceptance Agent

Why submitting your ITIN application through a CAA matters

A CAA (Certifying Acceptance Agent) is an IRS-authorized tax professional permitted to verify original documents for ITIN. I completed the training and obtained CAA authorization, which gives my clients three advantages over self-filing: 1. Your passport stays with you. Without a CAA, you would mail the original passport to the IRS — they hold it 7–11 weeks during processing. With a CAA, I verify it once (in person or via secure video) and you keep the original. 2. Faster processing — 6–8 weeks vs 11–16 for self-filing. The CAA verification packet is reviewed on an expedited track at the Austin Service Center. 3. Far fewer rejection cases. I prepare the W-7 with the correct reason code (a–h), supporting documents matched to your situation, and a CoA (Certificate of Accuracy). Typical self-filing rejection rate is ~30%; CAA-prepared rate is under 5%.

How I obtain ITIN — 5 steps

Full cycle from consultation to receiving the number in the mail.

1

Consultation and eligibility verification

We confirm you have an action item that requires an ITIN (filing 1040-NR, opening an LLC, receiving dividends, etc.). If you already have an SSN — no ITIN needed. Once eligibility is confirmed — proceed to step 2.

2

Form W-7 + supporting docs preparation

I complete Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for you — in English, per IRS rules. I pick supporting documents matching your reason for applying (8 reason codes, a–h; I'll select the right one).

3

Document verification as CAA

I personally verify your passport (either in-office, or via secure video for non-residents). I prepare Certificate of Accuracy (CoA) — the official document from an IRS-certified CAA.

4

Submission to IRS Austin Service Center

I send the package (W-7 + CoA + your tax return) to the IRS Austin Service Center — the specialized center that processes ITIN requests. Standard processing path.

5

ITIN delivery — 6–8 weeks

IRS mails the ITIN number to you. This becomes your permanent tax ID. You use it for all future filings, US bank accounts, brokerage accounts.

What documents are needed for ITIN

Standard package for ITIN submission via CAA: 1. Original passport — the simplest option. One passport satisfies the entire supporting-docs requirement. I verify it via video call or in person; the passport stays with you. 2. If no passport — a combination of two documents covering both identity and foreign status: national ID card + birth certificate, OR driver's license + birth certificate, etc. I'll tell you the exact combo on the consultation. 3. Form W-7 — I fill it out for you based on your situation and reason for applying. 4. Supporting tax document — the US tax return for which the ITIN is needed (1040-NR, statement claiming treaty benefit, etc.). Without a valid tax filing purpose, IRS rejects the W-7. 5. Form W-7 (COA) — Certificate of Accuracy. I prepare it as a CAA. For dependents (spouse, children) — a separate W-7 per person + their own ID documents.
Opening an LLC in the US?
ITIN is typically needed after LLC formation — for filing Form 1040-NR. I run both processes in parallel →

Frequently asked questions — getting an ITIN

What an ITIN is, who needs one, how to obtain via CAA, timelines, documents

ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax identifier from the IRS for people not eligible for an SSN. Format: 9XX-XX-XXXX. You need it if you have to file a US tax return (Form 1040-NR), claim treaty benefits with a bank/broker, or be claimed as a dependent on someone's return. It does NOT grant work authorization or Social Security benefits.

Need an ITIN?

Book a consultation — 30 minutes, we'll discuss your situation, evaluate eligibility, and prepare the ITIN plan.

Book an ITIN appointment