ITIN Application Help in NYC (Form W-7)

Why it matters

Without an ITIN, a spouse or dependent who isn't eligible for a Social Security number can't be put on your federal return. That can mean filing separately or losing credits you would otherwise get. A rejected or incomplete W-7 usually costs weeks, and in tax season that can push your refund back by months.

How the process works

The W-7 goes with the return. In most cases Form W-7 is attached to the front of your Form 1040 (or 1040-NR) and filed by mail, not e-filed. The ITIN field on the return is left blank and the IRS fills it in.
Identity documents must be originals or certified copies. A passport is the one document that proves both identity and foreign status. You can mail documents with the application, or have them checked in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center that offers ITIN service or by a Certifying Acceptance Agent, so your passport isn't in the mail for weeks.
Timing: the IRS says to allow 7 weeks, and 9 to 11 weeks if you apply between January 15 and April 30 or from overseas.
Renewals: an ITIN that hasn't been used on a federal return for three tax years in a row expires and has to be renewed on Form W-7 before you file.

When someone later gets an SSN

Once a spouse with an ITIN receives a Social Security number, for example after a green card is approved, the ITIN should be retired and the SSN used going forward. We update the records so prior returns and the new SSN line up.

中文服务

我们可以用中文帮您准备 W-7 表格和报税表，为没有社安号的配偶或子女申请 ITIN（个人报税识别号）。

Our posted prices

Payroll	$275/mo incl. 1 employee, + $15 each additional
Payroll problem fix (late 941 / NYS-45, missed deposits)	review $350, catch-up starting at $750
Quarterly estimated tax plan	starting at $200 a year
Bookkeeping	starting at $300/mo
Bookkeeping + Payroll	$475/mo incl. 1 employee, + $15 each additional
Business tax return	starting at $1,000
Personal tax return	starting at $300
Entrepreneur Starter Kit	$1,500 one time
Tax debt review (IRS or NY)	$400, credited toward the fix

Tax returns and bookkeeping are "from" prices. You get an exact quote in writing before any work starts. Full price list

Common questions

My wife is on a student visa and has no Social Security number. Can I still file jointly?

Often yes, but she needs an ITIN first if she isn't eligible for an SSN. Her Form W-7 is attached to your joint return and mailed to the IRS, which assigns the ITIN while processing the return. Whether filing jointly is the right choice depends on her residency status, so we check that first.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS says to allow 7 weeks, or 9 to 11 weeks if you apply between January 15 and April 30 or from outside the U.S. Applying with a complete, correct W-7 avoids the extra delay of a rejection.

Do I have to mail my passport to the IRS?

Not necessarily. You can mail the original or a certified copy, or have it checked in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center that offers ITIN service or by a Certifying Acceptance Agent, who returns it to you at the appointment.

Does an ITIN expire?

Yes. If an ITIN isn't used on a federal tax return for three tax years in a row, it expires and must be renewed with Form W-7 before it can be used again.

ITIN Applications for Spouses and Family Members