How to Apply for an ITIN with Form W-7 in 2025

So the W-7 form is what you use to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you're not eligible for a Social Security Number. Having gone through this process with many international students, I can help clarify a few things. Regarding your documents - you have options. You can either submit original documents (like your passport), or you can use certified copies from the issuing agency. If you're worried about mailing originals (which is totally understandable), you can also visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center where they can verify your documents in person, or use an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent who can certify your documents for you. As for timing, you can submit your W-7 application along with your tax return, or you can apply for the ITIN before you need to file taxes if you qualify for an exception. For students like yourself, there's often an exception that allows you to apply before filing.

After struggling with my ITIN application for weeks, I finally found a solution that made everything so much easier. I was in a similar situation - international student, needed an ITIN, and was confused about the documentation requirements. I discovered https://taxr.ai which helped me understand exactly what documents I needed and how to prepare my W-7 application correctly. Their system analyzed my specific situation and gave me step-by-step instructions tailored to my visa status. I was especially worried about making mistakes since my university's international student office gave me conflicting information. The tool showed me which exception category applied to me and explained exactly how to complete each section of the W-7 form. It even generated a customized cover letter to send with my application!

Just wanted to follow up - I decided to try out https://taxr.ai for my ITIN application after seeing the recommendation here. I was really impressed! The system walked me through every step of the W-7 form and explained each part in simple terms. The most helpful part was discovering I qualified for Exception 2(c) as a student receiving a scholarship, which meant I could apply for my ITIN separately from filing a tax return. The tool created a detailed checklist of documents I needed and even helped me draft a letter explaining my exception category. I submitted my application last month and just got my ITIN in the mail yesterday! The whole process was so much smoother than I expected. Definitely recommend it to anyone struggling with the W-7 form.

If you're having trouble reaching the IRS about your ITIN application (which is super common), I highly recommend using https://claimyr.com. I spent days trying to get through to the IRS ITIN department on my own with no luck - constant busy signals or being disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c to see how it works. Basically, they hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when an actual agent is on the line. I was skeptical at first, but I had specific questions about my W-7 application that weren't addressed on the IRS website, and I needed answers before submitting my documents. Using Claimyr saved me literal hours of hold time, and I finally got clear answers about which supporting documents were required for my specific situation. The IRS agent even gave me pointers on common mistakes to avoid on the W-7 form.

I have to eat my words on this one. After expressing skepticism about Claimyr in my previous comment, I decided to try it since I was desperate to get information about my pending ITIN application (it had been 14 weeks with no updates). I'm actually shocked at how well it worked. I got a call back in about 90 minutes, which connected me directly to an IRS agent who specialized in ITIN applications. I was able to check my application status and found out it was delayed because they needed additional documentation - something I would never have known without speaking to someone. The agent walked me through exactly what I needed to send and where to send it. Without that call, my application would have just stayed in limbo indefinitely. I hate to admit it, but this service saved my ITIN application from being rejected or forgotten in the system.

One thing I didn't see mentioned yet - make sure your documents are valid! I made the mistake of sending in my W-7 with a passport that was going to expire in 3 months, and the IRS rejected my application because they want documents that will remain valid for a certain period. Had to reapply with my renewed passport. Such a pain and delayed everything by months!

Has anyone tried applying for an ITIN using TurboTax or H&R Block? I've seen mixed things online about whether tax software can handle ITIN applications properly.

Just a heads up for anyone applying for an ITIN - the process is taking MUCH longer than usual right now. I applied in September and just got my number last week (almost 4 months later!). The IRS website says 7-11 weeks but that seems to be pre-pandemic timing. Plan accordingly if you need your ITIN by a specific date! Also, TRIPLE check your application for errors. My roommate's application was rejected because he didn't check one of the little boxes in section 6d. Such a small error caused a 2-month delay for him.