Tax & commercial documents
Your ITIN.
The personal tax identification number the IRS issues to those who must file US taxes yet do not qualify for a Social Security Number. Required of many non-resident founders. Issued in your name.
What ITIN is.
An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a 9-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS.
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Why you might need one.
If you have a US tax filing requirement and you cannot get an SSN, the ITIN is your only option.
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How we apply.
Prodezk is a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) for the IRS, which means we are authorized to verify identity documents on the IRS's behalf.
Discover moreWhat ITIN is.
An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a 9-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS. Format-wise it looks just like a Social Security Number, but it is used only for federal tax purposes.
The number exists for one reason: to give people who have a US tax filing obligation but don't qualify for an SSN a way to comply with the law. Non-resident founders, foreign spouses, dependents on a US tax return, and other categories all use the ITIN as their identifier.
The ITIN is purely a tax tool. It does not authorize work, does not grant immigration status, and does not connect to any other US benefit. It is the IRS's way of saying 'we know who you are' for tax purposes only.
Why you might need one.
If you have a US tax filing requirement and you cannot get an SSN, the ITIN is your only option. The most common situations:
- Non-resident foreign owner of a US LLC required to file Form 1040-NR or other federal return
- Foreign individual receiving US-source income (royalties, rental income, dividends)
- Foreign spouse on a joint US tax return with a US resident
- Foreign dependent claimed on a US tax return
- Foreign individual selling US real estate (FIRPTA withholding scenarios)
- Amazon and other marketplaces requiring a tax ID for non-resident sellers
If none of those apply, an ITIN is likely unnecessary. We confirm the requirement before applying, so that no founder is put through the process without cause.
How we apply.
Prodezk is a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) for the IRS, which means we are authorized to verify identity documents on the IRS's behalf. You don't have to mail your passport or visit a US tax office. We confirm the documents and submit the W-7 application along with the supporting tax return.
After submission, the IRS issues the ITIN by mail to the applicant, typically within 7 to 11 weeks. Once issued, the number is yours; the next time you file a US return, you use it as your identifier.
- Government-issued passport (or two alternate IDs if no passport)
- The US tax return the ITIN will be attached to
- Form W-7, prepared and reviewed by us
- Documentation of the qualifying reason for needing the ITIN
Details
What's included
- Eligibility check for ITIN need
- Form W-7 preparation and review
- Identity document verification by a CAA
- Submission to the IRS along with the tax return
- Tracking through to issued ITIN
- Available for non-residents anywhere in the world
Questions
Frequently asked
Who needs an ITIN?
Anyone who has a US tax filing obligation but doesn't qualify for a Social Security Number. That typically includes non-resident foreign owners of US LLCs, foreign individuals receiving US-source income, and foreign spouses or dependents on a US tax return.
What's the difference between an ITIN and an EIN?
An ITIN is for an individual person; an EIN is for a business entity. A non-resident founder of a US LLC may need both: the EIN for the LLC, the ITIN for the founder personally if there's a tax filing requirement.
How long does the ITIN application take?
From submission to issued ITIN, the IRS typically takes 7 to 11 weeks during normal periods. Application volume can stretch this during US tax season (February through April).
Can the ITIN application be done remotely?
Yes. As a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), Prodezk can verify identity documents on behalf of the IRS without you needing to mail original passports or visit a US tax office. The full process can be done from anywhere in the world.
Does the ITIN expire?
Yes. ITINs not used on a federal tax return for 3 consecutive years expire automatically. Some ITINs issued before 2013 also have rolling expirations. We track this for clients who use the ITIN regularly.
Can the ITIN be used to work in the US?
No. The ITIN is only for tax filing purposes. It does not authorize US employment, does not grant immigration status, and is not valid for federal benefits.
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Tell us what you need. Our team takes it from there. Twenty-four years of doing exactly this.
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