Do I really never have to send my passport?
You never have to send it to the IRS — that is the real benefit, because the IRS holds documents for the whole seven to eleven week processing period. But IRS rules require the Certifying Acceptance Agent to have your original document, or an issuing-agency certified copy, physically in hand during the interview. So either you courier the original to us for a few days, or you obtain a certified copy from the issuing authority in your country and your passport never leaves you. Anyone telling you neither is necessary is not describing the actual rule.
Can you certify documents for my children?
Only two of them: a passport and a civil birth certificate. Every other dependent document must go to the IRS as an original or an issuing-agency certified copy. There is also a trap worth knowing — for most dependents a passport only works as a stand-alone document if it shows a U.S. date of entry. Without one, additional proof of U.S. residency is required. We check this before filing rather than after.
How long does it take?
About seven weeks of IRS processing outside peak season. Nine to eleven weeks between 15 January and 30 April, or for applications sent from abroad. Add international mail time in both directions. There is no expedited service at any price — the only time you can save is the months lost to a rejected application.
Can the whole thing be done remotely, from my country?
Yes. The interview is by video and we work with applicants in any country. The only physical element is your identity document reaching us for the interview, which is solved either by courier or by an issuing-agency certified copy.
Do I need to file a tax return to get an ITIN?
Usually yes — the application travels attached to the return. A limited set of exceptions allows a Form W-7 on its own: certain treaty benefit claims, third-party withholding on passive income, mortgage interest reporting, FIRPTA property dispositions and some entity reporting situations. Each has strict documentation requirements. We confirm which route applies at the eligibility stage.
My ITIN expired. Is renewal different?
The form is the same, with the renewal box checked, and the number you get back is the same number — only its status changes. Under current rules a renewal generally requires a federal return attached, which was not the case a few years ago. One detail catches people out on joint returns: a single expired ITIN holds up the entire return, not just that spouse's portion.
Does an ITIN affect my immigration status or let me work?
No, in both directions. It confers no work authorisation, no immigration benefit and no Social Security entitlement — and holding one does not harm your status either. It exists solely so the IRS can process a filing that carries your name.
What makes you different from the cheaper services online?
Three things you can verify. We hold the Certifying Acceptance Agent authorisation directly, so the Certificate of Accuracy is signed by this firm rather than a subcontractor. We are a licensed CPA firm, so we can prepare the tax return that most applications must include, and represent you before the IRS if the application is questioned. And we tell you at the first conversation if you do not qualify, instead of taking a fee for an application that will be rejected.
How do I check that you are actually authorised?
Two independent checks, about three minutes. Our CPA licence at CPAverify.org or the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Our Acceptance Agent status on the list the IRS publishes by state and country. We would rather you checked than took our word for it — and you should apply the same two checks to anyone else you are considering.
What if the IRS rejects my application?
If the rejection follows from an error in our preparation or certification, we correct and refile at no further fee. If it follows from facts or documents that were not as represented to us, we tell you what is required and quote any additional work before doing it. Nobody can promise IRS approval, and a provider who does is selling something they do not control.
Which languages do you work in?
English and Turkish at present. The call, the document review and the explanation of any IRS notice can be in either. We are considering further languages and will add them when we can support them properly rather than through machine translation.
I formed a U.S. LLC from abroad. Do I need an ITIN?
Often, but not automatically, and the two questions are separate. Whether you need an ITIN depends on whether you personally have a filing obligation. Separately from that, a U.S. LLC with a single foreign owner must file Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120 every year, on paper, even in a year with no income — because money you put in and take out both count as reportable transactions. The penalty is $25,000 per year, and it applies whether or not you ever get an ITIN. A partner in a multi-member LLC receives a Schedule K-1 instead, which usually does require a number. We establish which of these applies to you before you pay anything.