As an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), we verify your identity documents in person at our Chicago office, prepare your Form W-7 and submit it to the IRS. Your original passport stays with you.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS to people who need to file or be included on a U.S. federal tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). An ITIN always begins with the number 9.
With an ITIN you can file your taxes, be included as a spouse or dependent on a return and build a tax-filing history in the United States.
An ITIN is for federal tax purposes only. It does not authorize work in the U.S., does not provide eligibility for Social Security benefits and does not change your immigration status.
Why DATAX
Why apply with a Certified Acceptance Agent?
The IRS authorizes Certified Acceptance Agents to verify identity documents for ITIN applicants. That means you don't have to mail your original passport to the IRS.
Applying on your own
By mail to the IRS
Mail your original passport or certified copies to the IRS in Austin, Texas
Go without your documents for weeks while the IRS processes them
Higher risk of rejection for missing or incorrect information
Navigate IRS forms and instructions on your own
RECOMMENDED
Applying with DATAX
IRS Certified Acceptance Agent
We verify your passport in person and return it to you right away
We send the IRS a Certificate of Accuracy with certified copies
Your Form W-7 is reviewed for errors before it is submitted
Personal guidance in Español and English, from start to finish
For dependents, a CAA can certify passports and civil birth certificates only. Other dependent documents must be sent as originals or as copies certified by the agency that issued them. We'll tell you exactly what applies to your family.
Eligibility
Who needs an ITIN?
Taxpayers without an SSNPeople who have a U.S. tax filing requirement but are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
SpousesA spouse without an SSN who is filing jointly or is included on a U.S. tax return.
DependentsChildren and other qualifying relatives claimed for a tax benefit on a U.S. return.
Nonresident aliensNonresidents who must file a U.S. return or claim a tax treaty benefit.
Foreign business owners & investorsPeople with U.S. income or a U.S. business who need to file.
Expired ITIN holdersAnyone whose ITIN expired and who needs to file a return.
Step by step
How to get your ITIN with us.
Book your appointmentCall, send a WhatsApp or request a time online. We'll confirm which documents to bring.
Gather your documentsUse the checklist below: your passport, or a combination of other accepted IDs.
In-person verificationWe review your original documents, make certified copies and return your originals immediately.
We prepare your Form W-7In most cases, the W-7 is submitted together with your federal tax return, which we can prepare for you.
We submit to the IRSYour application is sent with our Certificate of Accuracy.
Receive your ITIN by mailThe IRS mails you a letter (notice CP565) with your new ITIN.
Checklist
Documents to bring.
A valid passport is the only document that proves both your identity and your foreign status on its own. Without a passport, you will need at least two documents from the IRS list, and at least one must have a photo. All documents must be current.
Best option
Valid, unexpired passport
That's it: a passport alone is enough to prove identity and foreign status
No passport? Bring 2 or more
National ID card (with photo, name, address, date of birth and expiration date)
Civil birth certificate
U.S. or foreign driver's license
U.S. state ID card
Foreign voter registration card
U.S. visa, USCIS photo ID, or U.S. or foreign military ID
For dependents
Passport (some dependents must show a U.S. date of entry)
Civil birth certificate
Medical records (children under 6)
School records (dependents under 18)
Also bring
Your income documents for the tax return (W-2s, 1099s, records of income)
Your current U.S. address
Any previous ITIN letters or IRS notices
Renewal
Is your ITIN expired?
An ITIN expires if it is not used on a federal tax return at least once in three consecutive tax years. If your ITIN expired and you need to file, renew it with a new Form W-7 before you file. Otherwise, your refund can be delayed and some credits may be disallowed.
We handle renewals for you and your family the same way we handle new applications: in-person verification, and no mailing of your original passport.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Do I have to send my original passport to the IRS?
Not if you apply through us. As an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent, we verify your passport in person and send the IRS a certified copy with a Certificate of Accuracy. You leave our office with your passport.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
The IRS usually processes ITIN applications in about 7 weeks. During peak tax season (January 15 to April 30) or for applications from abroad, it can take 9 to 11 weeks.
Do I need to file a tax return to get an ITIN?
In most cases, yes. The W-7 is usually attached to a federal tax return unless you qualify for one of the IRS exceptions. We'll tell you which situation applies to you.
Can I get ITINs for my children?
Yes, if they qualify as dependents on your tax return for a tax benefit. For dependents, we can certify passports and civil birth certificates.
Can I work with an ITIN?
No. An ITIN is used only for federal tax purposes. It does not authorize work in the United States or change your immigration status.
Sí. Todo el proceso de ITIN lo podemos hacer en español, desde la cita hasta la entrega de su número.
This page provides general information and is not legal or tax advice for your specific situation. Requirements can change; we confirm current IRS and Illinois rules during your consultation.
Next step
Agenda tu consulta de ITIN.
Book your appointment, bring your documents and leave our office with your passport in hand.
