Applying for or Renewing an Individual Tax Identification Number

Dec 21, 2016

Applying for or Renewing an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

 

All ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years will no longer be valid for use on a tax return as of Jan. 1, 2017. Additionally, all ITINs issued before 2013 will begin expiring in 2017 starting with those with middle digits of 78 and 79 (Example: (9XX-78-XXXX). All expired ITINs must be renewed before being used on a U.S. tax return. No action is needed by ITIN holders who don’t need to file a tax return next year.

The latest revision of Form W-7 is available directly form the IRS website using this link: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf  (form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).  Along with your carefully completed and signed form W-7, attach a valid federal income tax return and identification documents as detailed below.

Acceptable forms of Identification to be sent to the IRS:

1. Passport (Israeli or other non-USA issued). It must be signed and valid (not expired).  The signature on the W-7 must match the signature on the passport.

 

OR any two documents from the following list:

  1. Birth Certificate with English.  Order your copy online, see: https://www.gov.il/he/service/birth_certificate
  2. National Identification Card (An Israeli ID would need to be translated)
  3. Driver’s License
  4. Military Identification Card

If you are unable to send original documents, then obtain certified copies of your identification from the US consulate . The service fee is currently $50. For more details view this page from the consulate website:
https://jru.usconsulate.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/notaries-public/

Note: The IRS will NOT accept notarized copies from any source other than the consulate, even if you obtain an apostille.

Post all documents to the address below:

Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342 USA

For full instructions, consult the official IRS instructions: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf

If you qualify for an ITIN and your application is complete, you will receive a letter from the IRS assigning your tax identification number usually within 8-10 weeks. If your application is delayed then call IRS accounts at 267-941-1000.

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