ITIN Filer Resources

What is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)? 

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax processing ID number issued by the IRS to people who are not eligible for a social security number. People who use an ITIN to file their taxes include:

• Undocumented immigrants
• Some survivors of domestic violence
• Certain student visa holders
• Some spouses and children of people on employment visas

  An ITIN is used only for filing taxes or opening an interest bearing U.S. bank account. 

How can I apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number? 

Applying for an ITIN is done at the same time as filing your federal taxes, using IRS form W7. When filing your taxes, you must fill out and attach form W7 to your tax return, along with your supporting identity documents (like a passport) or certified copies of your identity documents. After you mail your tax return, identity documents, and completed form W7 to the IRS, your ITIN will be issued to you in a letter from the IRS.

People applying for an ITIN cannot file their taxes electronically and must file a paper return. The IRS will issue your ITIN number to you by mail.  Please note that it currently takes 9-11 weeks or longer to receive an ITIN due to IRS backlogs.

People applying for an ITIN for themselves, or for a dependent, will need to provide proof of identity and foreign status, either by mailing in their original identity document(s) with their application for an ITIN, or by obtaining certified copies of their identity documents. If you choose to mail in your original identity documents, the IRS will mail them back to you, but it may take 9-11 weeks.

A certified copy of an identity document is NOT the same as a notarized copy. People can obtain certified copies of their identity documents in three ways: 

• Through the issuing agency (in most cases this would refer to the consulate of the country that issued the passport).
• Through a Taxpayer Assistance Center
  • Taxpayer Assistance Centers are IRS offices that can assist with a variety of tax preparation questions, and can assist with completing form W7 to apply for or renew an ITIN.
• Through a Certified Acceptance Agent
  • Certified Acceptance Agents are tax preparers that are authorized by the IRS to help people apply for an ITIN and can make certified copies of identity documents (a certified identity document is NOT the same as a notarized document. Notaries cannot certify identity documents for the purpose of applying for an ITIN). CAAs may charge and it is important to ask about fees up front.

More information about ITINs:

• The Taxpayer Advocate Service provides a lot of great information about the ITIN application process here. 
• The IRS provides more information on applying for an ITIN here. 
• Visit our FAQ for more information on ITIN filers and the Working Families Tax Credit.

Free ITIN Application and Renewal Services 

Free Tax Prep sites that have CAA services

United Way Free Tax Prep

In King County, United Way of King County runs an annual Free Tax Preparation Campaign, with 17 in person sites, and virtual assistance.

• Other languages: United Way uses an over the phone interpretation service. 
• ITIN filer assistance: United Way will have select sites with a CAA present where ITIN filers can get their documents certified.  All other sites can support in filling out the W7 but will not be able to certify documents. 

Credit Unions that have CAA services

Call a credit union in your area if you only need assistance applying for an ITIN and you have a completed tax return. Some credit unions may be able to support community members in applying for or renewing  their ITIN if they bring in their completed tax returns. If you open an account with the credit union, they may also assist you with your ITIN application or renewal.

• Seattle Credit Union
  • Seattle Credit Union offers free assistance with ITIN applications and has CAAs on staff. Call 800-334-2489 to make an appointment. 
• Express Credit Union
  • Express CU is a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) with the IRS. We can help you complete an application to get an ITIN for the first time or complete your renewal application by sending in copies of your documents!
    • We can complete these applications by appointment only at our office located at 1930 6th Ave S. Suite 104 Seattle, WA 98134.
    • CALL: 206-622-1850.
    • As a reminder you MUST bring in your completed 2022 tax return at the time of the appointment. We cannot complete the ITIN application without a completed tax return. If renewing a spouse’s ITIN a joint return will need to be filed with renewal paperwork.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers

• IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC). Taxpayer Assistance Centers are offices run by the IRS, and you will need an appointment. They can offer assistance in applying for an ITIN. They are always free.  Due to high demand, it may be challenging to make an appointment at a TAC. 
  • There are 9 locations throughout the state. 
  • Type in your Zip Code to find the nearest location. 
  • All appointments are routed through a general number: 844-545-5640. 
  • There is an option for English and Spanish.  
  • There is no option to speak with a live person at this number nor at the local service numbers provided on the IRS website. 
  • Community members may expect long hold times when calling this number. 
  • We are not sure what kind of language support is offered at these sites.

Paid ITIN Application Assistance

The IRS provides a list of Acceptance Agents (AAs) and Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs). You can find that list here: IRS list of Acceptance Agents and Certified Acceptance Agents

• Acceptance Agents are authorized by the IRS to help people fill out Form W7, but cannot certify identity documents. Certified Acceptance Agents are tax preparers that are authorized by the IRS to help people apply for an ITIN and can certify identity documents.
• If you apply for your ITIN for yourself, your spouse, or your children with a CAA, you can avoid mailing in your original identity documents to the IRS. Always ask about fees upfront. This is a publicly available list published by the IRS and we are not endorsing any specific tax preparation service by sharing this list. 

Contact your consulate. 

Your local consulate may be able to help by providing certified copies of your identity documents, which can help you avoid mailing in your identity documents to the IRS when you apply for your ITIN. 

Find more information about free tax prep resources statewide.