Can I apply for an ITIN number as a non-US resident if my country doesn't have a tax treaty with the US?

The answer is yes, you can apply for an ITIN as a non-US resident even if your country doesn't have a tax treaty with the US. The ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is specifically designed for foreign nationals who need to file US tax returns but don't qualify for a Social Security Number. Here's what you need to know: The 30% withholding you're experiencing is standard for foreign contractors without proper tax documentation. With an ITIN, you'll still have taxes withheld initially, but you can file a US tax return to potentially get some of that money back, depending on your situation. To apply, you'll need to complete Form W-7 and provide documentation that proves your identity and foreign status. The most challenging part is usually getting your identification documents certified - you'll either need to send original documents (not recommended), visit an IRS office in person (difficult if you're not in the US), or use an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent in your country.

I was in a similar situation a couple years ago with freelance coding work. After countless hours trying to figure out the complex US tax system for non-residents, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which literally saved me thousands of dollars. They specialize in helping international contractors and freelancers navigate US tax requirements. Their system analyzed my specific country situation and work arrangement, then guided me through the entire ITIN application process with custom-tailored instructions. What I found most helpful was that they explained exactly which tax forms I needed to submit to my clients to reduce withholding and how to maximize my tax return when filing. They even identified deductions I had no idea I qualified for as a non-US resident.

I just wanted to update everyone here. After seeing the recommendation for taxr.ai, I decided to give it a try despite being initially unsure. I'm absolutely blown away by how much it helped my situation! I'm from Malaysia working as a consultant for three different US companies, and all of them were withholding 30% of my payments. The taxr.ai system walked me through every step of the ITIN application process, creating a perfectly tailored W-7 form and advising me on exactly which supporting documents I needed from my specific country. What really impressed me was how they helped me understand which business expenses I could legitimately claim. After filing my return with their guidance, I actually got back about 40% of what had been withheld! They also generated the proper W-8BEN forms for each of my clients with clear instructions on how to submit them. Two of my three clients have already reduced their withholding rates. This was seriously worth every penny.

For anyone dealing with the frustration of calling the IRS about ITIN applications - I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I wasted weeks trying to reach someone at the IRS to ask questions about my ITIN application status and kept hitting dead ends with automated systems. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in under 15 minutes when I had been trying for days. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The service basically navigates all those annoying phone menus and holds your place in the queue, then calls you when an actual human agent is on the line. When I finally spoke with an IRS representative, I learned that my ITIN application had issues with my documentation that would have resulted in rejection if I hadn't fixed them. The agent walked me through exactly what I needed to correct.

Just wanted to follow up here since I was skeptical about Claimyr. I actually tried it last week after struggling to reach the IRS about my ITIN application for almost a month. I'm honestly shocked at how well it worked! Calling from Thailand, I had previously spent hundreds of baht on international calls just waiting on hold, only to get disconnected or reach unhelpful representatives. With Claimyr, I got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes, and they only called me when the actual agent was on the line. The IRS agent I spoke with was able to confirm that my ITIN application was missing a critical certification on my passport copy and explained exactly how to fix it. They even gave me a direct fax number to send the corrected documents to speed up processing. This saved me from waiting 2-3 months only to get a rejection letter. For anyone applying for an ITIN from outside the US, being able to actually speak with someone at the IRS makes a massive difference.

I successfully got an ITIN last year while living in Brazil (also no tax treaty). One thing nobody mentioned yet is that you can use a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) in your country instead of mailing your original documents to the IRS. The CAA can verify your identity and certify copies of your documents, so you don't have to risk sending your original passport. They can also review your W-7 form before submission to catch any errors. The IRS website has a directory of authorized agents worldwide. Some US embassies and consulates also offer this service.

Something important that no one has mentioned - even with an ITIN, if your country has no tax treaty with the US, you might still face significant withholding. The ITIN itself doesn't automatically reduce withholding in all cases. What you might be looking for is to establish your work as a business entity rather than as an individual contractor. Some freelancers form companies in their home countries and then apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead of an ITIN. This can sometimes open different tax treatment options.

Something nobody has mentioned yet - make sure you're actually subject to US taxation in the first place. If you're truly just selling e-books through Amazon KDP (or similar platform), you might be receiving royalty income, not freelance/contractor income. Different types of income are treated differently under US tax law. For royalty income from intellectual property, you might have different options than for services income. This distinction could affect both your ITIN application purpose and your ultimate tax liability.

I went through this exact process about 6 months ago as a freelance web developer from the Philippines (also no tax treaty). A few practical tips that really helped me: First, when gathering your identity documents for the ITIN application, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your application date. The IRS rejected my first application because my passport was expiring in 4 months. Second, consider timing your application carefully. I applied in August (non-tax season) and got my ITIN in about 6 weeks. Friends who applied during tax season waited 12+ weeks. Third, once you get your ITIN, you'll need to be proactive with your US clients about updating their records. Send them the completed W-8BEN form via certified mail or email with read receipts. Some companies have slow accounting departments and it took 2-3 months for the withholding changes to take effect. One thing that surprised me - even after getting my ITIN and filing my first US tax return, I only got back about 15% of what was withheld (not the full 30%). The actual tax rate on my income bracket was still around 15%, but I was able to claim some business deductions for my home office and equipment. Still a significant improvement from losing the full 30% though!