Sunday, August 7, 2016

New IRS ITIN Rules - Some Clients Will Need to Renew Their ITIN

If your client has an ITIN and 1) has not used it in the last three years or 2) the ITIN was issued before 2013 (these have a middle digit of 78 or 79), then they will need to renew their ITIN starting October 1, 2016.

In order to renew, the taxpayer must file Form W-7. Note, it does not need to be attached to their 2016 tax return.

The IRS provides three ways to renew:

1. Mail the W-7 along with the original identification documents or certified copies to the IRS
2. Use an IRS authorized Certified Acceptance Agents
3. Call and make an appointment with an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in lieu of mailing.

I recommend going through a Certified Acceptance Agent. It allows clients to keep their passports or other identifying documents instead of putting them in the hands of the IRS. This allows for a quicker turnaround too on everything with the process.

Here is a list of Certified Acceptance Agents. I also am in the process of becoming a Certified Acceptance Agent too if anyone in the Virginia area needs any help.

Relevant Citations: IRS ITIN News Release

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