Form W-7 · ITIN applications
ITIN applications prepared, checked and tracked to issue
Most ITIN rejections are caused by the wrong reason code, a missing return or unacceptable identity documents. We prepare the Form W-7 properly, tell you exactly which certification route to use, and follow the application through to the CP565 notice.
Important ITIN Service Update
We currently provide ITIN advisory and application preparation services and work with independent IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents for document certification.
Start your ITIN application onlineEnrolled Agent (EA)
Admitted to practise before the IRS
FMAAT
Fellow of the Association of Accounting Technicians
ITIN / Form W-7 specialists
Applications filed since 2013
US–UK tax treaty specialists
Both systems handled together
In short
An ITIN is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS to people who must report US tax but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. It is applied for on Form W-7, almost always attached to a US tax return or an approved exception. Getting the reason code, supporting return and identity evidence right the first time is what keeps the application out of the rejection pile.
Who needs an ITIN
- Spouse or dependant of a US citizen or resident alien filing jointly
- Non-resident alien required to file a US Form 1040-NR return
- Foreign investor in US property, shares, mutual funds or royalties
- Seller of US property subject to FIRPTA withholding (Form 8288-A)
- Foreign partner in a US LLC, LLP or partnership receiving a Schedule K-1
- Author, musician, YouTuber or creator with US royalty income on Form 1042-S
- Casino or lottery winner reclaiming 30% US withholding under the treaty
- Beneficiary of a US 401(k), IRA, pension or estate distribution
- Student, researcher or professor claiming a treaty exemption
- Owner of a US single-member LLC filing Form 5472
Important service notice
Tax and Accounting Hub is not currently able to provide Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) services. Our IRS Acceptance Agent authorisation is under renewal and we expect CAA document certification to resume in early 2027. Until then we continue to prepare, review and submit Form W-7 ITIN applications, and we will explain the document-certification options available to you (IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centre appointment, or certified copies issued by the passport-issuing authority) before you engage us.
How our ITIN process works
- 01
Eligibility check
We confirm you actually need an ITIN, and identify which IRS exception or tax return supports the application.
- 02
Document review
Passport, visa pages and supporting evidence are checked against the current IRS Form W-7 instructions.
- 03
Form W-7 preparation
We complete the W-7 with the correct reason code and attach the return or exception documentation the IRS requires.
- 04
Certification route
We set out the IRS-accepted verification options open to you — a Taxpayer Assistance Centre appointment, or a certified copy from your passport authority — so the original never leaves your hands.
- 05
IRS submission
The complete package is sent to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas, and tracked from there.
- 06
Notice handling
If a CP565, CP566 or CP567 notice arrives, we respond on your behalf as part of the fee.
ITIN questions, answered
What is an ITIN and who issues it?
An ITIN is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to people who must report US tax but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. It is applied for on Form W-7 and, in almost every case, must be attached to a US tax return or an approved IRS exception.
Who needs an ITIN in the UK?
UK residents who need an ITIN typically include non-resident owners of US rental property, sellers of US real estate subject to FIRPTA withholding, foreign partners in US LLCs and LLPs, authors, musicians and digital creators receiving US royalties on Form 1042-S, spouses and dependants of US citizens filing jointly, and beneficiaries of US pensions or estates.
Do I have to send my original passport to the IRS?
Not necessarily. Certifying Acceptance Agent certification is unavailable from us until early 2027, so we direct you to the other two IRS-accepted routes: an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centre, or a certified copy issued by the authority that issued your passport. Both keep the original document in your hands.
How long does an ITIN application take?
IRS processing normally takes 7 to 11 weeks from the date the application is received in Austin, Texas. It runs longer during the January to April peak filing season and during a federal government shutdown. We track the application and chase it if it stalls.
How much does an ITIN application cost?
Form W-7 preparation and submission starts from £395, inclusive, with no VAT added. Additional family applicants on the same submission start from £195, and renewals from £295. Responding to any IRS notice raised on the application is included in the fee.
Can the whole ITIN process be handled remotely from the UK?
Yes. Preparation, review and submission are handled remotely for clients across the United Kingdom, the United States, the UAE, Singapore and India. Only the identity-document certification step must happen in person, and we tell you exactly where and how to complete it.
My ITIN has expired — what do I do?
An ITIN that has not appeared on a US tax return for three consecutive years expires automatically. Renewal uses the same Form W-7 and the same certification routes, and should be started before your next filing deadline so the return is not delayed.
Why are ITIN applications rejected?
The most common causes are the wrong reason code, a missing or unsigned tax return, identity documents that do not meet the IRS certification standard, and a name that does not match the passport exactly. We have been preparing these applications since 2013 across every reason code, and we check all four before anything is sent.
Not sure whether you need an ITIN or an EIN?
Consultations start at £150 for 30 minutes. If you then decide to work with us, we quote a fixed fee based on the complexity of your case, in writing, before any work begins.