How does a foreign owner get an ITIN?
The short answer, with the official forms and the agencies' own links.
The short answer
File Form W-7 with the IRS, generally attached to a US federal tax return unless an exception applies. Mail it with original or certified identity documents, use a Certifying Acceptance Agent, or book an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Allow 7 weeks to hear back. A company doesn't need its owner's ITIN to get an EIN: Form SS-4 works without one.
The forms involved
Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
For people who need a US tax number but can't get a Social Security number. File Form W-7 with a US federal tax return unless an exception applies, and either mail it with original or certified identity documents, use a Certifying Acceptance Agent, or book an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- Allow 7 weeks for the IRS to send the application status.
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file.
Was this page helpful?
Get the plan for your exact address
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders