ITIN Services — IRS Certified Acceptance Agent

What Is an ITIN?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS for individuals who need to file a U.S. tax return but do not have and are not eligible for a Social Security Number. ITINs are used by nonresident aliens, their spouses and dependents, and certain resident aliens who have a filing or reporting requirement.

Who Needs an ITIN?

You may need an ITIN if you are a nonresident alien required to file a U.S. tax return, a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident alien being claimed on a tax return, a nonresident alien claiming a tax treaty benefit, a foreign national with U.S. rental income, or a nonresident alien filing a joint return under a Section 6013(g) election. An ITIN does not authorize work in the United States and does not affect immigration status.

ITIN Services

• ITIN application preparation (Form W-7)
• ITIN renewal support
• Identity document authentication for primary and secondary applicants — we authenticate all IRS-accepted ID documents on-site (except foreign military IDs)
• Family ITIN applications — spouses and dependents
• Nonresident tax return preparation when required for ITIN eligibility

Dependent applications — important limitation: For dependent ITIN applicants, IRS rules are narrower. A CAA can authenticate the passport and civil birth certificate on-site. Other supporting identification documents for dependents (medical records, school records, etc.) may still need to be submitted to the IRS as originals or as copies certified by the issuing agency. We will review your specific dependent documentation during the appointment and confirm which documents can be authenticated in person and which must go to the IRS.

How the CAA Process Works

You bring your original passport and supporting documents to an in-person appointment. As a Certified Acceptance Agent, Elton Kasma examines the original documents, verifies identity, completes the required IRS certification forms (Form W-7 and W-7(COA)), and submits certified copies to the IRS on your behalf. Your passport never leaves your hands and is never mailed anywhere. The IRS processes the application and mails you a CP565 notice with your ITIN, typically within seven to eleven weeks during normal processing periods.

ITIN Renewals

ITINs that have not been used on a federal tax return at least once in the past three consecutive years expire automatically. ITINs with middle digits 70 through 88 have already been phased out by the IRS and must be renewed before filing. The renewal process uses the same Form W-7 and the same in-person passport verification through a Certified Acceptance Agent. You do not need to wait until your return is ready — renewals can be submitted on their own.

Dependent and Spouse ITINs

If you are claiming a spouse or dependent who does not have a Social Security Number, each person needs their own ITIN. We prepare family ITIN applications together so all forms are submitted as a package with the associated tax return. For dependents under 18, a birth certificate and passport are the standard documents. For spouses, a passport and any applicable marriage certificate or civil status document may be required.

What to Bring

• Valid passport (original — we verify in person and return it to you)
• National ID card (if applicable)
• Birth certificate (if applying for dependents)
• Prior tax return (if available)
• Supporting tax documentation (W-2, 1099, etc.)

Document handling: Do not send passports, IDs, or immigration records through the website contact form. Documents are reviewed in person or through secure methods we direct you to after initial contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an ITIN? The IRS typically processes ITIN applications in seven to eleven weeks. During peak tax season, processing can take longer. Using a Certified Acceptance Agent avoids the additional delay of mailing your passport to the IRS and waiting for them to mail it back.

Can I file my tax return while waiting for the ITIN? Your tax return is submitted together with the W-7 application. The IRS processes the ITIN first, then processes the attached return.

Do I need to be in Jacksonville? The passport verification appointment must be in person, but we are mobile throughout Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau Counties. We come to you if needed. If your documents require certified translation or notarization, we can handle everything in the same appointment.

Related Services

Many ITIN clients also need immigration form preparation, certified translations, or notarization. We can coordinate all of these services together.