Expert ITIN Application & Renewal Support from HQ Tax & Financial

Obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be confusing and time-sensitive — especially if you are a non-resident, foreign investor, spouse, or dependent who must file U.S. taxes but is not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). At HQ Tax & Financial, our experienced tax professionals provide comprehensive ITIN processing services designed to guide you through every step of the application and renewal process with accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.

What Is an ITIN and Who Needs One?

An ITIN is a nine-digit taxpayer identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for individuals who are required to file U.S. federal tax returns but are not eligible for an SSN. ITINs are used solely for tax reporting purposes and do not authorize work or confer immigration status.

People who commonly need an ITIN include:

Non-resident aliens earning U.S. income
Foreign investors with U.S. tax obligations
Spouses or dependents on a U.S. tax return
Foreign business owners reporting income
Individuals claiming tax treaty benefits

Even if you live outside the U.S., you may need an ITIN if you have federal filing requirements.

Why Choose HQ Tax for ITIN Processing?

Navigating ITIN applications can be time-consuming, document-intensive, and strict in IRS requirements. A single error on IRS Form W-7 can delay approval or cause rejection. As IRS Certifying Acceptance Agents for ITIN applications, Our firm provides:

Certified accuracy and IRS-compliant submissions
Document verification and preparation
W-7 form completion and application assembly
Renewal support for expired ITINs
Secure handling of sensitive identification documents
Clear guidance on IRS exceptions and filing requirements

We help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your ITIN application is processed efficiently.

What Documents Are Required for an ITIN?

The IRS requires acceptable documentation to verify both identity and foreign status for most ITIN applications. The most commonly accepted document is a valid passport, which simultaneously proves identity and foreign status. If you cannot provide a passport, you may need a combination of other identification documents as outlined by the IRS.

Your HQ Tax specialist will review your documents before submission to:

Confirm that they meet IRS criteria
Avoid unnecessary original document mailing
Help secure certified copies when needed

How to Apply for an ITIN for a Spouse to File a Joint Tax Return

If your spouse does not qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN) but you want to file a joint U.S. tax return, you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for your spouse.

When Is an ITIN Required for a Spouse?

An ITIN is required if:

One spouse has an SSN, and the other does not
The non-SSN spouse is not eligible for an SSN
You choose to file Married Filing Jointly with the IRS

The IRS requires an ITIN so both spouses can be properly identified on the joint tax return.

ITIN Renewal Support

ITINs can expire if they haven’t been used on a federal tax return for a set period. Renewing an ITIN before tax season ensures that your tax filings and refund claims are not delayed.

Whether this is your first time applying or you are renewing an existing ITIN, we deliver thorough support from start to finish.

How an ITIN Helps You

An ITIN enables you to comply with U.S. tax laws by filing federal tax returns when an SSN is not available. This not only satisfies IRS requirements but also allows you to:

Report and pay taxes correctly
Include spouses and dependents on your return
Establish a tax history with the IRS
Claim eligible tax benefits and credits (when applicable)

An ITIN may also be used by some institutions in financial situations such as opening bank accounts or applying for loans, depending on the institution’s policies.

Get Started with HQ Tax Today

Ready to apply for or renew your ITIN? Contact HQ Tax & Financial for a consultation and let us handle your ITIN processing with precision, professionalism, and personalized support.

Apply Now

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).