I am a Certifying Acceptance Agent for ITINs (Individual Tax Identification Numbers). This means, I am authorized to review the source documents (primarily passports), certify their accuracy, and apply ITIN for my clients. Why does one need an ITIN? ITINs are required for many reasons in the US, the primary reason being it acts as the identifying number when you file a US Federal and State tax return. Normally, people are familiar with the SSN (Social Security Numbers), but not everyone is eligible to obtain an SSN. People who are dependents (such as children), or spouses who are on dependent visas, are not eligible to obtain SSNs, so the only way they can file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - the primary agency responsible for collecting income taxes - is by obtaining an ITINs. Unlike SSNs, which are obtained generally throughout the year, ITINs are generally issued when you apply for a tax return. The normal process of applying an ITIN is by filing the form W-7 with the IRS. One is also supposed to send the original documents to the IRS - one document to verify the person's identity, and another document to verify their foreign status. A passport is generally the best document and acts as proof of identity and foreign status. Since many people shy away from sending their original passports to the IRS and be locked out of a passport close to two months, the alternative is to see a Certifying Acceptance Agent, such as myself. As an agent, I can verify the original passport, confirm the identity of the ITIN applicant by personally seeing them, and return their passports in a single visit. The applicant never parts with their original documents. As a CAA, I fill out the W-7 form, as well as the W-7 (COA) - Certificate of Accuracy form. I mail these documents, along with a copy of the source documents, and the tax return to the IRS at their Austin address. I have helped numerous clients from various countries (US, Canada, Russia, Mexico being the most common) clients obtain their ITINs. Please give me a call at 480-442-7063 for a free phone consultation.