ALERT: Changes in the Application Procedure for Taxpayer Identification Numbers

August 16, 2017 By Mary Ryan

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made changes to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) program. Changes include:

All ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once for the tax years 2014, 2015 or 2016 will expire on December 31, 2017. Additionally, all ITINs with middle digits 70, 71, 72 or 80 will expire at the end of this year. The IRS will be sending out notices, but you should not wait to renew if your number is expiring.
Applicants must file a form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number using the most current form dated 9-2016.
An important change in the procedure is that the IRS will no longer accept certified copies of passports. Applicants must submit original passports or copies certified by the issuing agency. If you submit originals, IRS should return them within 60 days.
Applicants can use a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAAs) authorized by the IRS. The CAAs can certify the passports as well as any other documentation required such as birth certificates for dependents.

Further information on this topic can be found on the IRS Website: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number-itin

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