How can you apply for an ITIN?

The IRS has recently changed the application process. To apply for yourself, complete a W-7 form (revised in February 2008) and include your completed federal income tax return and notarized copies of your identification documents. You can usually get these documents notarized for free at your bank. Find out what documents are accepted as proof of identity to apply for an ITIN.

Make sure you send all your documents to the address listed on the ITIN application (not to the address listed on your tax return form). Write “ITIN to be requested” on your tax return form where it asks for the Social Security Number.

If you need assistance in completing the ITIN application, you can call the IRS toll-free at 1 (800) 829-1040 (for Spanish, press 8) or you can go to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center for free. Find an office near you.

If you can’t find one near you, you may want to find an IRS authorized acceptance agent who will charge you a fee to fill out your ITIN application. Some local notary services charge about $25 to help you apply for the ITIN. Make sure you don’t pay much more than this. You can fill out an ITIN application yourself for free.