As a Certifying Acceptance Agent, we help US resident and non-resident aliens, as well as other foreign taxpayers who are ineligible to obtain a SSN to apply for an individual taxpayer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service. We offer professional help on behalf of the IRS to individuals filing an ITIN application.
We have a formal agreement described under Section 301.6109-1(d)(3)(iv)(A) of the U.S. Treasury Regulations with the IRS. The agreement allows us to assist applicants to apply for an ITIN by reviewing the W-7 form and supporting documentation (US tax return or documentation to support an exception), issuing a certificate to prove the applicant’s identity and foreign status, and forwarding the paperwork to the IRS ITIN office for processing. Once an ITIN is issued, it is forwarded to the applicant.
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We have a formal agreement described under Section 301.6109-1(d)(3)(iv)(A) of the U.S. Treasury Regulations with the IRS. The agreement allows us to assist applicants to apply for an ITIN by reviewing the W-7 form and supporting documentation (US tax return or documentation to support an exception), issuing a certificate to prove the applicant’s identity and foreign status, and forwarding the paperwork to the IRS ITIN office for processing. Once an ITIN is issued, it is forwarded to the applicant.
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Certifying Acceptance Agent vs Acceptance Agent
What is the difference between an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent and an IRS Acceptance Agent?
Both help eligible individuals to apply for an IRS ITIN number. However, a Certifying Acceptance Agent can certify an applicant’s identification documents while an Acceptance Agent cannot.
Individuals applying themselves or through an Acceptance Agent must either mail their original identification documents or a copy certified by the issuing agency. The IRS is currently approximately 5 to 6 months to process and return the documents to you. You will not be able to use those documents or travel internationally without the documents, such as your passport. By applying through a Certifying Acceptance Agent, this will no longer be an issue, and you will not have to worry about the documents getting lost in the mail when you apply through a Certifying Acceptance Agent.
Myths
Can't I just send notarized copies of IDs and documents to the IRS with Form W-7 form?
The IRS does not accept notarized copies of IDs and documents for ITIN application despite a lot of people claimed so. The IRS used to accept notarized documents, but it no longer accepts them now as the IRS ramps out its efforts to fight frauds. I once had a prospect who was misled into believing notarized documents were acceptable. 7 months after mailing the notarized documents along with Form W-7 to the IRS, the application was declined, and the application package was returned citing notarized documents were not acceptable.
What is the difference between an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent and an IRS Acceptance Agent?
Both help eligible individuals to apply for an IRS ITIN number. However, a Certifying Acceptance Agent can certify an applicant’s identification documents while an Acceptance Agent cannot.
Individuals applying themselves or through an Acceptance Agent must either mail their original identification documents or a copy certified by the issuing agency. The IRS is currently approximately 5 to 6 months to process and return the documents to you. You will not be able to use those documents or travel internationally without the documents, such as your passport. By applying through a Certifying Acceptance Agent, this will no longer be an issue, and you will not have to worry about the documents getting lost in the mail when you apply through a Certifying Acceptance Agent.
Myths
Can't I just send notarized copies of IDs and documents to the IRS with Form W-7 form?
The IRS does not accept notarized copies of IDs and documents for ITIN application despite a lot of people claimed so. The IRS used to accept notarized documents, but it no longer accepts them now as the IRS ramps out its efforts to fight frauds. I once had a prospect who was misled into believing notarized documents were acceptable. 7 months after mailing the notarized documents along with Form W-7 to the IRS, the application was declined, and the application package was returned citing notarized documents were not acceptable.
Advantages of Using Trans-Pacific Accounting and Business Consulting as your IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent.
We know that you have options when applying for an IRS ITIN number. We offer our clients:
Why Choose Trans-Pacific Accounting and Business Consuting
International-related taxation in the Internal Revenue Code is extremely complex and confusing. Many seasoned CPAs and tax return preparers are not familiar with the filing requirements. It is very common for them to miss reporting foreign income, forms, and information. The IRS has heightened its enforcement on non-compliance on foreign-related reporting, and penalties are generally extremely high. Not sure if you need to file or if your current CPA or tax return preparer is preparing your tax return correctly? Not sure if you are filing all the required forms? Contact us now for a free consultation.
We know that you have options when applying for an IRS ITIN number. We offer our clients:
- A free ITIN eligibility interview with an Acceptance Agent
- Customer focused service
- Step by step guidance during the IRS ITIN application process
- A Certifying Acceptance Agent ensuring that your ITIN application is filed completely and correctly
- Certification of identification documents
- With our ITIN application service, you can avoid mailing the IRS your original identification documents and/or visiting the issuing agency, a US Embassy or Consulate, a US notary public, or a foreign notary authorized under the Hague Convention to certify your identification documents.
- Expedited ITIN application service with the IRS
- The IRS processes ITIN applications submitted by Acceptance Agents before they process ITIN applications submitted directly by ITIN applicants.
- Although not a part of the Certifying Acceptance Agent service, we routinely briefly review the tax returns self-prepared by the taxpayers or other tax return preparers, and we often discovered errors and omissions that will cause delay or rejection by the IRS. This is particularly the case when many ITIN applicants are involved in some form of international transactions, and many US tax preparers are not very familiar with the US international taxation requirements. We help avoid these potentially costly errors that could trigger IRS penalty.
Why Choose Trans-Pacific Accounting and Business Consuting
International-related taxation in the Internal Revenue Code is extremely complex and confusing. Many seasoned CPAs and tax return preparers are not familiar with the filing requirements. It is very common for them to miss reporting foreign income, forms, and information. The IRS has heightened its enforcement on non-compliance on foreign-related reporting, and penalties are generally extremely high. Not sure if you need to file or if your current CPA or tax return preparer is preparing your tax return correctly? Not sure if you are filing all the required forms? Contact us now for a free consultation.