How to get an ITIN in 2025? Complete Guide

If you are a non-resident, doing some business or earning some money, and need to pay taxes but are not eligible for an SSN, you need an Individual Tax Identification Number. With the New 2025 Update of the IRS, this is no longer necessary.

An ITIN is required for filing taxes for business, Education, job, and freelancing, etc. In this guide, you will be informed on how to apply for ITIN, We left no stone unturned.

What Is An ITIN Number?#

A unique nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required to file some taxes, and are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN), is called an Individual Tax Identification Number. It's a nine-digit number that starts with 9 (e.g., 9xx-xx-xxxx).

Both SSN and ITIN are identification numbers, but both serve different purposes. SSN is broader in scope and serves for a wide purposes, but ITIN, on the other hand, is specifically for

• Individuals who are required to file taxes
• Are not eligible for an SSN.
• It’s not a visa or permit, just a Tax ID issued by the IRS.

How To Get It Fast?#

Here are some ways to get an ITIN Faster, but it may have some side effects, if we make a mistake while filling Form W-7, it could be an issue and will delay the ITIN more than the normal duration. So,

Method; 1

Download and fill out the form W-7 and mail it directly to the Internal Revenue Service.

Method; 2

You can use any Certified Acceptance Agent (like Taxsym), no need to share original documents, just fill up a short online form and get your ITIN without leaving home.

Method; 3

If you are physically present in the US, book an appointment with the nearest TAC (Taxpayer Assistance Center) and submit your documents in person.

Who Needs an ITIN in 2025?#

Documents Needed#

Confirm the current update about documentation from the IRS. To apply for an ITIN, you will need the following documents;

Form W-7#

• If you are applying for an ITIN, complete a Form W-7, Application for Individual Tax Identification Number.
• If you are applying for renewal of an ITIN, complete Form W-7 for renewal.
• If a family is applying for an ITIN, each person will have to fill out Form W-7.

US federal Income Tax return#

• Complete the Form 1040, US Federal Tax Return, or
• US Non-Resident Alien Tax Return Form, 1040-NR

Follow these steps;#

• Leave the area of SSN blank for each ITIN application on the tax return. The department will assign the ITIN and process the return.
• A spouse or dependent will have attached a Form W-7 with application while applying for an ITIN to the front of the tax return.
• Make sure all the documents and important documents are attached to claim any eligible tax benefits.

Supporting Docs#

To apply for an ITIN, you must prove your foreign status and identity.

• Primary Document

✅ Valid ID, Passport is the best option as it can prove both identity and foreign status.

• Alternative Option

If you don’t have a passport, you can use two of the following alternative documents, at least one with a photo to prove your identity and foreign status.

Applicant Type Requirements#

• If candidates are from CANADA, MEXICO, or Military families, they may need additional residency proofs.
• Students, Teachers, job seekers, researchers, or business visa holders may need or sponsor letters.
• All the documents must be Original or certified copies from the issuing agency.

Apply by Mail – Step by Step#

US Postal Service#

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

Private Delivery Service#

IRS ITIN Operations
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional, Highway 35

Always double-check the current address update from the IRS website.

Step-by-Step Guide For Applying Online;#

1. Download and complete Form W-7 for ITIN from the IRS website.
2. Attach the supporting documents mentioned above.
3. If required, add a tax return; unless applying for an exception, include a US federal tax return.
4. Mail the application to

IRS ITIN Operations
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional, Highway 35
Austin, TX 78741-0000

Wait for the process; it will take 7-11 weeks to get ITIN online.

Note: Submit original documents; they will be returned in 60 days by the IRS department.

Apply In Person#

• Apply At an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centre (TAC)
• Book an appointment with IRS TAC.
• Bring Form W-7 and supporting documents with you.
• The IRS will verify documents on-site, so you don’t have to mail them.

Apply through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CCA)#

A Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is an IRS-authorized person or business who helps individuals get an ITIN smoothly and securely. This is especially helpful for non-residents living outside the US, or families applying for children or spouses, as it’s quite beneficial.

• CAAs are permitted to submit ITIN application and verify documents.
• They certify copies, so you don’t need to send the originals.
• They may charge a fee for their service charges.

Processing TImes#

By Mail;#

It takes 7-11 weeks, and maybe longer in peak seasons.

In person;#

Faster, as there is no need to mail documents.

If you mailed#

If you have mailed your documents, you will receive them back within 60 days. If you don’t get them within this time, contact the Vendor immediately.

How To Get an ITIN Free of Cost?#

Applying ITIN directly from the IRS is totally free; just fill out the form W-7 and submit it with the necessary documents to the IRS by mail or Fax. It doesn’t charge a penny for it. But if you ask for help from some CAA, they will charge some service charges. It’s quite normal to ask for help from any service provider during the application process, but that fee has no concern with the IRS.

ITIN Exceptions (no tax return)#

Most of the time, a federal tax return is required for an ITIN application, but there are some conditions if applicants qualify, a tax return is not required. Here are some;

• Mortgage interest reporting

If you are a non-resident alien and need to report interest paid or a US mortgage, you don’t need to return federal tax.

• Scholarship receipt

No need to return federal tax if you are receiving scholarships at some educational reference no matter if whether you're a student or a teacher.

• Third-party withholding etc.

Living outside the US but investing in US business or properties as an investor or partner, you may be required to pay withholding taxes. IRS will charge some tax before you get your profit.

Above mentioned expectations are listed on Form W-7 with specifications. In these cases, you need to submit supporting documents, and there is no need to file a tax return. Knowing about this will help you to fill the form correctly from the beginning.

Filling Form W-7 – Tips & Errors#

No doubt, without Form W-7, you can’t apply for an ITIN. As simple as it feels, it's much easier to mess up. Anyone can download it directly from irs.gov. Let’s fill up the form step by step.

How can we get Form W-7?#

First, open the IRS official website and search for ‘’Form W-7. Then download the latest version of ‘’Form W-7 PDF. If you are applying through any CAA or IRS office, they will provide the form for you.

What does each Section mean?#

• First, you have to check for what you are applying for, whether for an ITIN or ITIN renewal.
• Secondly, you have to check the boxes to submit the reason for why you are applying ITIN.
• Line 1-5; In the first five lines, you have to submit basic information like Full name, Mailing address, foreign address and birthplace place etc. Make sure the information you are providing is according to the attached documents.
• Line 6 (Immigration Info): In this section, you have to provide identity verification details so the IRS will process your application easily, so make sure all the documents and information are based on the original record.

Here you have to mention your citizenship, foreign tax ID, Visa type, US entry date, and employee ID (leave the sec {6f} empty).

Common Mistakes To Avoid Short mistakes can cause your ITIN to be delayed or rejected, so double-check all information before submitting it, or consult a professional. Better to avoid the following mistakes;

• Incomplete mailing or foreign address.
• Incomplete paperwork.
• Leaving fields blank or unchecked (without instructions).
• Providing mismatched details (e.g., name spelling doesn’t match passport).
• Incorrect or incomplete tax return attachment (if required).

Dependents & ITIN#

If you are filing taxes and want to claim the child tax credit or independent tax credits, for those who are not eligible for an SSN. So you can apply for their ITIN.

ITIN For Spouse#

For resident and non-resident spouses, an ITIN could be applied for;

• Filling out Form W-7 with a specific reason (maybe ‘’b’’ or ' ‘’d’’).
• Official documents required (e.g., marriage certificate)
• Submit your spouse’s identity proof, like a passport, a Valid ID, a License, etc.

ITIN For Children#

If your kids are not qualified for an SSN, you can apply ITIN on their behalf to claim the child tax credit. But only if;

• The child is not eligible for an SSN.
• They fulfill IRS dependent eligibility rules.
• You attach Form W-7 with the necessary documents, like;
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport/ Medical or school record
  • Proof of living together (Child is living with parents, even in the US or abroad)
• Include Tax returns with the form if you are claiming they are independent.

Documents For Dependents#

How to Check Application Status#

Timeline:#

There are two conditions: if you apply on normal days, you will receive in 7-11 weeks, but if you apply during tax season from January to April, it may be delayed or take longer due to high demands.

IRS helpline numbers (inside & outside U.S.)#

In order to check your current status of ITIN, you can call directly to the IRS office directly,

Here are some contacts;

• Inside US: 1-800-829-1040
• Outside US: +1-267-941-1000 (not toll-free)

What to do if your mail is lost#

In any case of some disturbance, whether you have lost your file or haven’t received any mail. You can do;

• Make a call to the IRS helpline (mentioned above)
• Verify your mailing address and identity.
• Request for New ITIN CP-565 notice

It’s good to save a copy of the received mail or the application receipt for the record. Always track your ITIN status to quickly resolve any issue.

FAQs (2025-focused)#

Can I get an ITIN without a visa in 2025?#

Yes, you can apply for an ITIN without having a US visa, as long as you meet all the IRS requirements, like a federal tax filing. Eligible for some ITIN expectations, you can have an ITIN. A visa is not necessary for all ITIN applications, especially for foreign investors.

What are the major requirements for an ITIN application in 2025?#

To apply for an ITIN in 2025, you’ll need;

• A completed Form W-7
• Original Documents or certified copies
• Proof of residency for dependents
• A federal Tax return (or filing under any expectation)
  

Does ITIN expire?#

Yes, an ITIN expires if not been used for the last 3 consecutive years or issued before 2013. It needs to be renewed. Check the IRS site for current expiry updates.

Can I get more than 1 ITIN?#

No, one individual can’t have more than one ITIN. The IRS strictly bans more than one tax ID; this may cause some illegal activity.

How to get an ITIN for free of cost?#

An ITIN can be obtained free of cost through the IRS.

• Submit Form W-7
• Attach necessary documents
• You can visit any Tax Assistant center (TAC)
• Ask for help from a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA)

Why Apply Through Taxsym?#

• Get Your ITIN in just 7-11 weeks.
• Apply your ITIN online with Taxsym, starting Price $299.
• IRS-compliant application preparation, certification and submission.
• No need to mail original documents.
• Get real-time updates at every step.
• 100% money-back Guarantee; if your ITIN isn't approved.
• We are officially listed on the IRS Website.