Need some help with filing a W7 form for multiple tax returns

I'm in a bit of a time crunch and hoping someone can help me with a W7 question before I send everything off! I'm planning to mail in my paperwork on Monday, but I'm not sure about the proper procedure. Basically, I need to submit a W7 form (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) along with last year's tax return. But here's my situation - I also have this year's return ready to go. What I'm wondering is: Can I attach just one W7 form at the top of the package and include both tax returns (last year's and this year's)? Or do I need to submit a separate W7 for each tax year's return? Really appreciate any guidance from those who've dealt with this before! Thanks in advance for your help.

0 coins

18 comments

Oscar O'Neil

•8M

Hi there! I'm a tax preparer who deals with ITIN applications regularly. The good news is you can submit one W7 form with multiple tax returns. The W7 is an application for your ITIN, which is assigned to you personally, not to a specific tax return. When you mail your package, put the W7 form on top, followed by both tax returns. Make sure you've attached all required supporting documentation for the W7 (usually original or certified copies of identity documents). Also, write "ITIN" in the space for SSN on both tax returns. Just be aware that processing times for ITIN applications can be several weeks or even months, so both returns will be held until your ITIN is assigned.

0 coins

Oscar O'Neil

•8M

When applying for an ITIN, all returns must be paper filed with the W7 form. You cannot e-file any returns until after you receive your ITIN, so both returns need to be paper returns attached to your W7 application. If one return shows a refund and the other shows a balance due, they'll process both returns once your ITIN is assigned. The refund will be issued separately from any balance due notice. Just be aware that you'll need to pay any balance due by the original due date to avoid penalties and interest, even though your return processing might be delayed due to the ITIN application.

0 coins

Charlee Coleman

•8M

I went through this exact situation last year with my spouse who needed an ITIN. We used taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) to make sure all our documentation was correct before submitting. Their system analyzed our W7 application and supporting documents and flagged a few issues I would've completely missed. The biggest help was that they confirmed we could use one W7 for multiple years of returns and showed us exactly how to organize the package. They even created a cover letter explaining the situation to the IRS which I think helped speed up processing.

0 coins

Charlee Coleman

•8M

Yes, they have a document verification feature that checks if your identity documents meet IRS requirements. They pointed out that my wife's passport copy wasn't certified correctly and explained exactly what we needed to do to fix it. This saved us from having our application rejected. We received the ITIN about 8 weeks after submission, which was faster than I expected. I think having all the documentation properly organized and the cover letter explaining our situation helped. The IRS processed both years' returns at the same time once the ITIN was assigned.

0 coins

Leeann Blackstein

•8M

Just wanted to update - I took the advice about using taxr.ai (from comment above) before submitting my W7 with multiple returns. Turns out I had completely misunderstood the supporting document requirements and would have had my application rejected! Their system flagged that my birth certificate wasn't sufficient by itself and that I needed additional identification documents. They also helped me properly organize my two tax returns with the single W7 form. The step-by-step guidance was super helpful because the instructions on the IRS website were honestly confusing me. My ITIN application is now submitted correctly, and I'm much more confident it will be processed without issues. Definitely worth checking out if you're in a similar situation.

0 coins

Ryder Greene

•8M

I had a nightmare trying to reach the IRS about my W7 application status last year. After weeks of failed attempts, I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and they got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent confirmed I could submit multiple years with one W7 and explained that my application had been stuck because they needed additional documentation. I was able to resolve everything in that one call instead of waiting for a letter weeks later. Saved me a ton of stress!

0 coins

Ryder Greene

•8M

The service basically keeps dialing and navigating the IRS phone system for you. When they reach an agent, you get a call connecting you directly. It works by using automated technology to handle the hold times instead of you having to do it yourself. They use a combination of technology and understanding the IRS call patterns to increase the chances of getting through. I was skeptical too, but after trying for three days on my own and getting nowhere, I was desperate. Got connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes after activating the service.

0 coins

Theodore Nelson

•8M

I have to eat my words from my previous comment. I was super skeptical about Claimyr actually working for IRS calls, but after another failed attempt spending 2 hours on hold today, I gave it a shot. I expected it to be a waste of time, but within 35 minutes I was actually talking to an IRS agent about my W7 application! The agent confirmed my W7 had been received but was on hold due to missing certification on my ID documents. She explained exactly what I needed to do to correct it. For anyone dealing with W7/ITIN issues, being able to actually speak to someone at the IRS is invaluable. They were able to tell me the exact status and what I needed to fix rather than waiting months for a rejection letter.

0 coins

AaliyahAli

•8M

My entire process took about 3.5 months from submission to receiving the ITIN and having both returns processed. The first return (older one) was processed about 2 weeks after I received my ITIN letter, and the second return was processed about 2 weeks after that. If you're counting on that refund, just be prepared for the wait. Unfortunately, there's no way to expedite the process unless you qualify for one of the very specific expedite criteria (which most people don't).

0 coins