Need some help with filing multiple tax returns with one W7 application form

So I'm in a bit of a pickle with my taxes and hoping someone here can help me out. I need to submit my tax return from last year with a W7 form (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and was planning to mail everything out on Monday. Here's my situation - I'm wondering if it's possible to file two tax returns (last year's and this year's) with just one W7 form on top? Or do I need to submit separate W7 applications for each tax year? I've been putting this off for too long and really need to get everything sorted. Any advice would be super appreciated!

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18 comments

Yara Assad

•8M

You can actually attach one W7 application to multiple tax returns, but there are some important things to know about this process. The W7 form is used to apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) when you don't have and aren't eligible for a Social Security Number. When submitting multiple returns with one W7, you should attach all the returns together with the W7 on top. Make sure you've marked the appropriate tax return filing option in the "Reason you're submitting Form W7" section. The IRS will process your W7 application first, then process each tax return once your ITIN is assigned. Just be aware this can significantly increase processing time compared to regular returns.

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Yara Assad

•8M

The current processing time for W7 applications is running about 7-11 weeks just for the ITIN assignment. After that, they'll start processing your tax returns, which can take another 6-8 weeks per return. When you're submitting multiple years with one W7, they essentially get placed in a queue. They'll process the oldest return first, then move to the more recent one. So yes, your cousin's experience is unfortunately pretty common - the whole process can easily take 4-6 months from start to finish.

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Javier Morales

•8M

Just wanted to share that I had a similar situation last year and ended up using taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) to help me through the W7 process. Their document review tool actually caught several mistakes I made on my W7 form that would have caused it to be rejected. The system scanned my filled out W7 and both tax returns and highlighted sections that needed fixing - apparently I had inconsistent info between the forms that would have been a red flag. They also gave me specific instructions on how to properly stack and mail all the paperwork together. Saved me from having to resubmit everything which would have delayed getting my ITIN even more.

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Javier Morales

•8M

Yes, you definitely need to submit identification documents with your W7. The requirements vary depending on your situation, but generally you need either original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. This is actually one of the trickiest parts of the W7 process - the IRS is very strict about this. As for whether it's legitimate - I was skeptical at first too, but it was actually recommended by my friend who works as a tax preparer. They specifically have expertise with ITIN applications and international tax situations. They don't file for you, but they review all your documents before you submit them to catch potential issues. For me, they identified problems with how I had filled out Box 6 on my W7 and inconsistencies between my name format on different forms.

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Connor O'Brien

•8M

I wanted to follow up about taxr.ai since I was skeptical in my earlier comment. I decided to try it for my W7 application and multiple year returns, and I'm actually really impressed. The document review caught that I had checked the wrong box for my reason for filing the W7 (I checked "nonresident alien filing a tax return" when I should have selected "dependent of U.S. citizen/resident alien"). They also noticed I was missing a required signature on one of my supporting documents and flagged that my name was formatted differently on my passport versus my tax return. These seem like small things but apparently they're common reasons the IRS rejects W7 applications. Definitely saved me from a headache down the road!

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Amina Diallo

•8M

If you're planning to file with a W7, be prepared for extremely long wait times if you need to call the IRS with any questions. I spent literally 4+ hours on hold trying to get clarification about my application. I eventually found a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that saved my sanity. They have this system that holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you when an agent is about to answer. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I used it specifically to get answers about my W7 application and multiple year filing situation. The IRS agent I spoke with gave me crucial information about how to properly organize my documents that wasn't clear from their written instructions.

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Amina Diallo

•8M

It works by using an automated system that stays on hold for you. When their system detects that a real person has picked up (using voice recognition technology), it immediately connects you to the call. It's not cutting in line at all - they're literally just waiting in the queue for you instead of you having to sit there with your phone. For the W7 and ITIN department specifically, I was looking at a 3+ hour hold time according to the IRS message. I just entered my number in Claimyr and went about my day. About 2.5 hours later I got the call that an agent was ready. The information I got was invaluable for correctly filing my W7 with multiple tax returns.

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Hiroshi Nakamura

•8M

I have to eat my words from my skeptical comment earlier. After a particularly frustrating day of trying to reach the IRS ITIN department (got disconnected twice after waiting over an hour each time), I broke down and tried the Claimyr service mentioned above. It actually worked exactly as described. I put in my number around 9am, went to work, and got a call around 11:45am saying an IRS agent was on the line. The agent confirmed that yes, you CAN file multiple tax years with one W7 form, but they recommended putting a cover letter explaining that you're submitting multiple years. They also told me exactly how to stack and secure the documents together (W7 on top, then most recent year, then previous years, all clipped together - NOT stapled). Saved me so much confusion and potential delays. Worth it just to avoid the mind-numbing hold music.

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Isabella Costa

•8M

One important thing nobody has mentioned: make sure you're using the CURRENT version of Form W7! The IRS updated it recently and they can reject your application if you use an outdated form. Also, if you're filing multiple years with one W7, consider getting a Certified Acceptance Agent to help. They can verify your ID documents so you don't have to mail in originals of your passport or other identification. Saved me a lot of stress about losing important documents in the mail.

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Isabella Costa

•8M

Not all H&R Block locations have Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs), but many do - you need to call and ask specifically. You can also find a complete list of CAAs on the IRS website by searching "IRS certified acceptance agent list" which shows all authorized agents by location. Some CAAs only work with certain types of clients though (like some only help businesses, others only help individuals), so make sure to ask if they handle individual ITIN applications when you call. Most charge a fee on top of any tax preparation services, usually around $50-100 for document verification, but it's worth it to avoid sending original documents.

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