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US tax identification

ITIN Application Support

Form W-7 preparation, eligibility review and document guidance — $350 per applicant, reduced from $700.

ITIN application support

A personal tax number, with a clear application plan.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) helps an individual meet a US federal tax identification requirement when they cannot obtain a Social Security number. We start by understanding your tax purpose, then organise the Form W-7 application and the supporting-document route that fits your circumstances.

Our service fee is $350 per applicant, reduced from $700. Before you commit, we explain the scope, any separately quoted work and what you need to provide.

Who may need an ITIN?

You generally need both a federal tax purpose and ineligibility for an SSN. Depending on the facts, applicants can include a nonresident with a US return obligation, a spouse or dependent connected to a permitted tax benefit, or a person with a qualifying tax-reporting exception. Each application needs its own eligibility review.

Owning a US LLC, wanting a bank account or selling online does not by itself establish an ITIN application purpose. An EIN identifies a business; an ITIN identifies an individual for federal tax administration. We review which number is relevant before preparing an application.

What an ITIN does not do
It does not authorise employment, change immigration status or establish eligibility for Social Security benefits. It does not guarantee a bank account, credit, refund or a particular tax benefit.

Form W-7 and your tax purpose

Form W-7 records why you need an ITIN and the personal information the IRS requires. An application normally accompanies a federal income tax return. A documented exception may allow an application without that return; simply preferring not to file one is not an exception.

We check whether you are applying for the first time or renewing, whether a return or exception evidence is appropriate, and whether the names and dates agree across the records. Tax-return preparation is separately quoted if required. Do not submit another application for an existing number without checking its status first.

Documents to prepare

  • Your current passport and any relevant visa/entry records.
  • Accurate residential and mailing addresses and previous ITIN information, if applicable.
  • The relevant federal return or evidence supporting an eligible exception.
  • Additional relationship, identity or residency records when applying for a spouse or dependent.
  • Any IRS notice about an earlier application, renewal or request for information.

The IRS requires evidence of identity and foreign status. A valid passport generally establishes both; certain dependent applications also need evidence of US residency. If a passport is not available, the permitted combination of other documents must be checked against the current W-7 requirements.

Originals, certified copies and document review

A photograph or ordinary scan can help with an initial review, but it does not replace the IRS evidence requirement. For a mailed application, the usual route is an original document or a copy certified by its issuing agency. Ordinary notarisation is generally insufficient, subject to limited exceptions.

Eligible document review may instead be available through a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or an IRS-authorised Certifying Acceptance Agent. The available route depends on the applicant and document type. Any CAA appointment, certification or third-party fee must be confirmed separately; this page does not claim that Litmus holds IRS CAA authorisation.

Do not mail an original passport to us without an agreed, documented handling plan. Use the private client area for requested review files; do not send passports or tax identifiers through email or WhatsApp. Uploading a scan does not certify it for the IRS.

How the service works

  1. Send your request. Share your country, whether this is a new application or renewal, and a short description of the tax purpose. Keep sensitive numbers out of the initial message.
  2. Review eligibility and scope. We identify missing information and confirm the written fee and any separate return, courier or certification costs.
  3. Prepare the records. Provide the requested details securely and agree the appropriate document-verification route.
  4. Check and authorise. Review the prepared W-7 information, sign where required and confirm the submission arrangements.
  5. Track the application. Keep the submission record and respond to IRS requests. We coordinate status follow-up within the agreed engagement.

What the $350 fee includes

  • Initial eligibility and tax-purpose review for one applicant.
  • A checklist tailored to the application or renewal circumstances.
  • Preparation support for one Form W-7 and a consistency review.
  • Coordination of return or exception evidence and the agreed submission route.
  • Application-status follow-up within the written scope.

The previous advertised service price is $700; the current offer is $350 USD per applicant. The IRS itself does not charge an ITIN application fee. Tax-return preparation, document certification/CAA services, translations, courier charges and work on an earlier rejected application are separately quoted unless expressly included in your written engagement. There is no automatic subscription or annual service renewal.

How long does the IRS take?

IRS guidance allows about seven weeks for an application-status notice, with around nine to eleven weeks possible during the January 15–April 30 peak period or for overseas applications. These are planning estimates, not a guaranteed issue date. Missing information, evidence questions and additional IRS review can extend the process. Check current IRS guidance when planning a deadline.

Renewal and an existing ITIN

An ITIN can expire after three consecutive tax years without use on a federal income tax return. An expired number generally needs renewal when it will be used on a federal return. Not every holder needs a renewal immediately; information-return-only use has different treatment. Tell us about any previous number or IRS notice so the correct route can be reviewed.

If you receive an SSN, stop using the ITIN for future tax filing and notify the IRS so the records can be combined. A new ITIN application is not a replacement for resolving an existing tax record.

Questions before you apply

Can I apply from outside the United States?

Yes, an overseas applicant may apply where the federal tax purpose and other requirements are met. The document route and mailing arrangements still need review.

Do I always need a federal tax return?

A return is normally attached. A qualifying exception needs the specific supporting evidence described in the W-7 instructions; we check that before choosing the route.

Does the price cover my spouse or children?

The advertised fee is for one applicant. Each additional applicant needs an individual review and a separate written scope and fee.

Can you guarantee approval or a tax refund?

No. The IRS decides whether an application meets its requirements. Refunds and benefits depend on the relevant tax rules and your facts.

Will you need my original passport?

We confirm the evidence route first. Initial private review copies do not replace IRS authentication requirements. Do not send an original document without agreed instructions.

Official application references

General information; the appropriate filing position and document route depend on your circumstances. Source review: November 3, 2026.

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