Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN)

An ITIN is needed in some cases to file taxes

If you had U.S. income (such as a scholarship or fellowship) and you are not eligible for a social security number (SSN), you will need to apply for an ITIN. To apply for an ITIN you need to complete the form W-7.  You can complete it on your own (for free) or pay  _____ to Sprintax so that they will prepare it.  Instructions for completing the form can be found here.  For the reason you are applying you will use b. Nonresident alien filing a U.S. federal tax return.

If you are applying for an ITIN during tax season, you will complete your federal tax return using the Sprintax program.   You must complete your tax return and file it with your ITIN application (W-7).  In order to complete your tax return with Sprintax you will have to make up an SSN for yourself such as 999-99-9999.  Then after you print out the completed tax forms you are going to have to remove this number from the first page and write “Applied.” 

Because the OIA is no longer a Certified Acceptance Agent for the ITIN you will need to take both the ITIN application (W-7) and the 1040NR (tax return) to the IRS office downtown. You must first schedule an appointment then visit this office in-person with these documents plus all your original visa documents. To schedule an appointment call: 1-844-545-5640.  The address is 575 N. Pennsylvania Street, Room 481.  Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m..  They will be able to verify your passport and act as a Certified Acceptance Agent for the ITIN application.  This enables you to send the W-7, the CAA form they will provide, and your tax return to the IRS without sending your original passport. 

Please note you can also apply for an ITIN for your eligible dependents. Your dependents are only eligible if you are from Canada, Mexico, Korea, or India (for India—students only) and you are filing a federal tax return which includes them.  They must have lived with you in the U.S. for at least 183 days in 2024.

In review the steps are:

  • Complete form W-7 on your own or with Sprintax.
  • Complete your tax return using Sprintax. You will have to add a fake SSN that you then remove and write “Applied.”
  • Make an appointment to be seen at the IRS.
  • Take these documents and your original visa documents to the IRS office.
  • Make copies of all of your documents.
  • Send original forms and supporting documents to:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342