ITIN Application Process from Europe - Strange Requirements from Acceptance Agent

Thanks for the explanation, but I'm still confused. Is there any way I can get the completed W-7 form with the Certificate of Accuracy and then mail it myself with my return? I'm really uncomfortable with someone else handling the mailing of my tax documents. Also, how long does the whole ITIN application process typically take when going through an acceptance agent?

While I understand your concern, the process is designed so that CAAs submit the package themselves. It's actually part of their responsibility to the IRS - they're certifying your documents and then submitting the complete package. This helps prevent document fraud and ensures everything stays together. The processing time is generally faster when submitted through a CAA compared to submitting yourself. Currently, ITIN applications are taking about 7-9 weeks to process when submitted with a tax return through a CAA. If you were to submit original documents yourself, it could take 11-13 weeks, plus additional time for the IRS to return your original documents.

How exactly does taxr.ai help with ITIN applications? Do they connect you with acceptance agents or just provide information? I'm in a similar situation in Germany and looking for reliable options.

I'm skeptical about these online services. How do you know they're legitimate and not just trying to get access to your personal info? Did you have to upload your documents to them?

They don't connect you with agents themselves - they review the process and documentation. They have tax experts who can look at what your agent has provided and confirm if everything seems legitimate according to IRS guidelines. In your case, they could probably recommend reputable agents in Germany. Regarding security concerns, I completely understand. I was worried too, but they use encrypted document uploads. You can also black out certain personal info before uploading. Their analysis focuses on verifying the process and documents rather than collecting your data. What convinced me was their knowledge about specific IRS regulations that matched exactly what I found on the official IRS site.

How does this service even work? The IRS phone lines are notoriously jammed - are you saying this somehow gets you to the front of the queue? Sounds too good to be true.

I don't buy it. I've tried everything to get through to the IRS and nothing works. These companies just take your money and give you information you could find online yourself. Waste of money if you ask me.

It's definitely not magic, but it does work! They use an automated system that continuously redials the IRS until it gets through. Then when a connection is established, it calls your phone and connects you directly. It's basically doing the redial work that you'd otherwise have to do manually for hours. I was skeptical too, but the time difference from Europe made calling the IRS during their business hours really difficult for me. I had already spent about 5 hours across multiple days trying to get through with no success. With Claimyr, I just entered my number, and they called me when they got through. I was connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes while I was just going about my day.

Thanks for the options! Unfortunately, visiting a TAC isn't practical since I'm in Europe. Do you know if all CAAs follow the same protocol about mailing the documents themselves, or do some allow you to handle the mailing? Also, do you happen to know where I can find that directory of authorized CAAs?

Most CAAs follow the standard protocol of submitting the documents themselves because they're responsible for the package as part of their agreement with the IRS. However, some may be more flexible, especially independent practitioners rather than large firms. You can find the official directory of authorized CAAs on the IRS website by searching "Acceptance Agent Program Directory." It's updated quarterly and you can search by location, including international agents. Look for ones that specifically handle individual ITINs (some only do business ITINs). Another alternative that some of my clients have used: if you have a trusted friend or family member in the US, you could have the CAA send the completed package to them, and they could mail it for you. This gives you a bit more control while still following the proper procedures.

I did it myself from Canada last year. You CAN do it on your own, but you'll need to send original documents (like your passport) or get certified copies from your issuing agency. I wasn't comfortable sending my passport, so I got certified copies which was a whole process with my local government. It took about 3 months total to get my ITIN, and there was a lot of anxiety waiting to make sure everything was processed correctly. If I had to do it again, I'd probably just pay an acceptance agent for the convenience and peace of mind.