Individual Taxpayer Identification Number- ITIN

A regular Acceptance Agent (AA) does not have the authority to accept or deny the documents. The AA must submit your original documents to the IRS. We are a Certifying Acceptance Agent-CAA, authorized and certified by the Internal Revenue Service. This means that we have signed a contract with the Internal Revenue Service special ITIN office. DO NOT confuse us with an Acceptance Agent (AA) or basic tax preparer who have very limited or no authority at all.

In order to get an ITIN, you need to send your original documents (usually a passport) to the IRS, which can be a risk as postal mails are hard to track and there might be a chance that you’ll lose your original passport.

To avoid all this hassle, you may hire a Certifying Acceptance Agent a.k.a.CAA to process your ITIN application.

We are duly authorized by the IRS ITIN office to issue a Certificate of Accuracy (COA) certificates. The COA certifies that our office was presented with valid identification documents and that we, as CAA, have checked and verified the originality of the original documents presented and are satisfied with the authenticity so that the original documents need not be sent to the IRS.

In order to certify the documents either applicant needs to be present with original documents OR send us the original documents and we’ll have a remote video session with the applicant. Our office once satisfied, we immediately return your original documents to you.

BENEFITS OF AN ITIN

ITIN allows Non-US residents & foreign nationals who come to the United States for business purposes to open a US interest-bearing bank account.
Securing a driver’s license. Some states have allowed the ITIN to be used instead of an SSN in order to receive a driver’s license, driver’s permit, or state identification card.
Providing proof of residency. At some point in the future, an immigrant may need to prove how long he or she has been in the United States and having a tax return filed using an ITIN is one way to show that.
ITIN enables foreign entrepreneurs to fulfill some application requirements in order to be eligible for E-Commerce business.
It brings immigrants one step closer becoming United States citizens, as it legalizes their immigrant status in the country. It also serves as an opportunity for them to exhibit good traits of a responsible future United States citizen.
ITIN enables foreign persons to buy real estate in the United States.

Our office also prepares and signs the ITIN application and prepares all documents for submission to the Internal Revenue Service.

Our office as a Certifying Acceptance Agent has a direct phone line with the IRS ITIN office in Austin Texas which is not available to the general public.

If you need to obtain an ITIN, contact HQ Tax & Financial for professional services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – U.S. Tax ID / ITIN

1. What is an ITIN?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a U.S. tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required to file a U.S. tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).
2. Who needs an ITIN?
You may need an ITIN if you are:
A non-resident or resident alien required to file a U.S. tax return
A foreign national investing in U.S. real estate or businesses
A dependent or spouse of a U.S. taxpayer
An expatriate earning U.S.-source income
3. Is an ITIN the same as a Social Security Number (SSN)?

No. An ITIN is only for tax reporting purposes. It does not authorize work in the U.S., provide immigration status, or qualify you for Social Security benefits.
4. What can an ITIN be used for?
An ITIN can be used to:
File U.S. federal and state tax returns
Open U.S. bank accounts (subject to bank policy)
Claim eligible tax refunds
Report U.S. rental or investment income
5. What documents are required to apply for an ITIN?
Typically, you need:
Completed IRS Form W-7
Original passport or certified copy (or alternative ID documents)
A valid tax return or qualifying exception documentation
6. Do I need to send my original passport to the IRS?

No. You may submit IRS-certified copies or apply through an IRS Authorized Acceptance Agent, which allows passport verification without mailing originals.
7. How long does it take to receive an ITIN?
Processing usually takes:
6–8 weeks for standard applications
8–12 weeks during peak tax season or for international filings
8. Can I apply for an ITIN from outside the United States?

Yes. ITIN applications can be filed from anywhere in the world, including the UAE and other Gulf countries.
9. Is an ITIN required to open a U.S. LLC or corporation?
An ITIN is not required to form a U.S. company, but it is often needed to:
File personal tax returns
Receive distributions
Comply with IRS reporting obligations
10. Can I file U.S. taxes without an ITIN?

No. If you do not qualify for an SSN and are required to file U.S. taxes, you must first obtain an ITIN.
11. Can I claim a tax refund with an ITIN?

Yes. Individuals with ITINs may be eligible for U.S. tax refunds, depending on income, withholding, and applicable tax treaties.
12. Does an ITIN expire?

Yes. ITINs may expire if not used on a U.S. tax return for three consecutive years or if the IRS issues a renewal requirement.
13. How do I renew an expired ITIN?

You can renew your ITIN by filing Form W-7 (Renewal) along with valid identification documents. A tax return is not always required for renewal.
14. Can dependents apply for ITINs?

Yes. Spouses and dependents of U.S. taxpayers may apply for ITINs if they are listed on a U.S. tax return and meet IRS requirements.
15. Does an ITIN affect my immigration status?

No. Applying for or holding an ITIN does not impact your immigration status and is strictly for tax compliance purposes.
16. Can an ITIN be used for credit or loans?

An ITIN may be accepted by some banks or lenders, but approval depends on individual financial institutions and credit policies.
17. Is my personal information secure during the ITIN process?

Yes. Reputable tax professionals follow strict data protection and confidentiality standards, including secure document handling and encrypted submissions.
18. What happens if my ITIN application is rejected?

If rejected, the IRS will issue a notice explaining the reason. The application can usually be corrected and resubmitted with proper documentation.
19. Do tax treaties apply to ITIN holders?
A professional service helps:
Avoid IRS rejections and delays
Ensure proper documentation
Maintain compliance with U.S. tax laws
Protect sensitive personal information
20. Why should I use a professional ITIN service provider?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a U.S. tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required to file a U.S. tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN).