How to get an ITIN as a nonresident with Sprintax

When tax season arrives and you sit down to file your end of year tax return you will need your Taxpayer Identification Number to hand.

There are two types of Taxpayer Identification Numbers: the Social Security Number (SSN) and the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If you are not eligible for a SSN and have triggered a tax filing obligation, then you will need to apply for an ITIN. Sprintax makes the ITIN application process as easy as it can be, whether you are applying alongside your return at the end of tax season or are simply preparing in advance.

Apply for an ITIN in advance with Sprintax Forms

With Sprintax Forms you can apply for an ITIN and get prepared ahead of tax season. Sprintax Forms is a part of Sprintax Calculus, helping nonresidents in the U.S. ensure they pay the correct amount of tax on their income and claim any tax treaty benefits they’re entitled to.

If you are filing your ITIN application in advance of filing your tax return, you will need to complete and sign Form W-7.

This process is straightforward:

1. Begin the process by filling out your application in Sprintax Forms
2. When asked if you have an ITIN or SSN in Step 2, choose no.
3. Continue filling out the form. In Step 5, provide the supporting documents for your ITIN application. We recommend choosing your passport as otherwise you may need to attach two documents to prove your foreign status and identity.
4. Fill out the rest of the application while Sprintax prepares your documents.

When you have completed your application, Sprintax will provide you with your ITIN application in PDF format.

At this stage, students can get a responsible officer at an SEVP-approved institution (any U.S. learning institution that has applied for and received approval to enroll nonimmigrant students) to certify copies of their passport, visa and DS-2019 or I-20.

You must then include the certification letter, identifying documents, and your signed W-7 form when mailing to the IRS.

Below is the address to mail your ITIN application to:

Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342

Apply for an ITIN alongside your return with Sprintax Returns

If you’ve already left the U.S., or if it’s time to submit your tax return, and you don’t yet have an ITIN, no worries. With Sprintax Returns you can easily apply for an ITIN alongside your end-of-year tax return.

The process is simple:

1. Begin the returns process by filling out your Sprintax Returns application.
2. When asked if you have an ITIN or SSN in Step 2, choose no.
3. When asked if you want Sprintax to prepare an ITIN application for you, choose yes.
4. Fill out the rest of the application while Sprintax prepares your documents.

When you have completed your application, Sprintax will provide you with your tax return(s) and your ITIN application in PDF format.

When submitting your ITIN application you have two options and your decision will likely come down to whether or not you have left the U.S. yet.

If you are still in the U.S.

If you are still in the U.S., the easiest option is generally to apply in-person at your local IRS office with the following documents:

• Your 1040-NR Federal tax return form
• Your ITIN application form
• Original passport

If you are no longer in the U.S.

If you are no longer in the U.S., or if your IRS office is not easily accessible, you can mail your application to the IRS. For that you’ll need:

• Your 1040-NR Federal tax return form
• Your ITIN application form
• The original passport of each applicant included in the application

We do not recommend mailing your original passport, instead we recommend that you attach a certified copy. If you are sending a copy, your passport can be certified by one of the following:

• Certified Acceptance Agent or IRS official
• The United States Embassy or Consulate (be sure to book prior to your visit)
• The governmental department that issues the identification document

How can Sprintax help me?

Individual ITIN applications

Sprintax Forms can help with individual ITIN applications, ensuring correct supporting documents are sent to the IRS to avoid delays in getting your ITIN.

ITIN applications for organizations employing nonresidents

If you are an organization or educational institution looking for a streamlined approach to applying for ITINs for your nonresident population, then Sprintax Calculus can help to achieve this.

ITIN application alongside tax return preparation

And that’s not all! Sprintax Returns can also produce the W-7 form if you are filing an ITIN application alongside your tax returns, streamlining the entire nonresident tax return process.