How do I apply for an ITIN?

If you're a US expat and need to file a tax return but don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), you’ll likely need to apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This number is issued by the IRS and is used for tax processing purposes when you're not eligible for an SSN.

Here’s what you need to know to apply—click any section to jump ahead.

• Step 1: Prepare your Tax Return
• Step 2: Go to the IRS Website
• Step 3: Gather Your Documents
• Step 4: Mail Everything to the W-7 Office
• Step 5: Keep the Deadline in Mind
• Apply for Your ITIN Early

Step 1: Prepare your Tax Return

Prepare your US tax return and when asked for your SSN or ITIN, you can either enter in a dummy SSN number such as “000-00-0000” or “111-11-1111”, or if applying for your spouse’s SSN, choose the option "I am applying for my spouse's ITIN/SSN"

Step 2: Go to the IRS Website

Once your US tax return is finished, go to the IRS page on how to apply for an ITIN. You’ll find Form W-7 there, which is the form you'll need to fill out to request your ITIN.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Once you’ve completed Form W-7, you’ll need to send it in along with a few important documents:

• Your US tax return (Form 1040 – this is what most American expat file)
• Proof of identity (like a passport)
• A document showing your foreign status, typically issued by a certified agency (for example, a passport or national ID card)

All documents must be originals or certified copies from the issuing agency. The IRS will not accept plain photocopies.

Step 4: Mail Everything to the W-7 Office

Once everything is ready, mail your application to the IRS at the address below:

Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional Hwy 35
Austin, TX 78741-0000
USA

Make sure you're sending it to this address, it's the only one that handles ITIN applications.

Step 5: Keep the Deadline in Mind

Your Form W-7 needs to be submitted along with your tax return by April 15th. If you miss the deadline, you could face penalties or interest charges on any tax due.

Apply for Your ITIN Early

ITIN applications can take some time to process, especially if you're mailing documents from overseas. It’s a good idea to get started early to avoid any delays with your tax return.

You can learn more by visiting our website at ITIN Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for US Expat Taxes