PIM Savvy's ITIN Services (Free Assistance)

• PIM Savvy’s Certifying Acceptance Agents provide FREE assistance to help in the completion and submission of Form W-7 to apply or renew/reactivate an Individual Identification Number (ITIN). We have appointments at our Renton office, and our other VITA sites and special events. Our VITA site is conveniently open year-round.
• PIM Savvy VITA will first help you prepare your federal tax return at one of our VITA sites or at special VITA events. Your tax return is needed to submit an ITIN application. The Form W-7 will be completed at the same time.
• PIM Savvy is dedicated to the financial development and workforce of low to moderate-income individuals residing in Washington, primarily King and Snohomish counties. In addition to helping the community with Free Tax Prep Services,
• PIM Savvy provides free help with ITIN applications and renewals/reactivations at our IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, by appointment only. PIM Savvy VITA is one of two VITA sites in the state of Washington that offers CAA services.

Using Certifying Acceptance Agent services offers convenience and a smoother application process. We will help you complete Form W-7 and review your documents. CAAs can certify your identification documents. This means we can file your ITIN application without you losing possession of your passport or other pertinent identification documentation. We review the originals, make certified copies, and return your documents immediately.

You can have peace of mind because you will be able to keep your important documents in your possession.

PIM Savvy CAAs can submit your ITIN Application on your behalf, helping you to complete the entire process.

We can also help resolve IRS issues if they arise and can also receive your ITIN on your behalf.

An ITIN is a tax processing number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service, for certain resident and nonresident aliens, their spouses, and their dependents. It is available to persons required to have a taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security Number (SSN).

It is a nine-digit number beginning with the number “9”, has a range of numbers from “50” to “65”, “70” to “88”, “90” to “92” and “94” to “99” for the fourth and fifth digits and is formatted like a SSN (i.e. 9XX-7X-XXXX).

Only individuals who have a valid filing requirement or are filing a U.S. Federal income tax return to claim a refund of over-withheld tax are eligible to receive an ITIN. Generally, a U.S. Federal income tax return must accompany the ITIN application, unless the individual meets one of the exceptions.

ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have United States Federal tax filing and payment responsibilities under the Internal Revenue Code.

ITINs are used for tax purposes only and are not intended to serve any other purpose. IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws, and to provide a means to efficiently process and account for tax returns and payments for those not eligible for Social Security Numbers.

An ITIN:

1. Does not authorize work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security Benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit.
2. Is not valid for identification outside of the tax system.
3. Does not change immigration status. An applicant must enter his/her ITIN in the space provided for the SSN when completing and filing a U.S. Federal income tax return.

If the following applies, the individual needs an ITIN and must apply for one:

• An individual does not have an SSN and is not eligible to obtain one, and
• The individual has a requirement to furnish a federal tax identification number or file a federal tax return, and
• The individual is one of the following:
  • Nonresident alien who is required to file a U.S. tax return
  • U.S. resident alien who is (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return
  • Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien
  • Dependent or spouse of a nonresident alien visa holder
  • Nonresident alien claiming a tax treaty benefit
  • Nonresident alien student, professor or researcher filing a U.S. tax return or claiming an exception

Individuals who apply for an ITIN will receive a letter from the IRS assigning their tax identification number usually within 8-15 weeks if they qualify for an ITIN and their application has been completed. Sometimes the IRS will send a letter requesting additional information or clarification so you will need to watch for letters from the IRS. The IRS will only send letters to you. They will never call, text or email you requesting information on your application. PIM Savvy’s Certifying Acceptance Agents will receive the same communication letters you receive. When you receive any communication from the IRS, please email vita@pimsavvy.com so we can help you respond or we will respond on your behalf. It is important to communicate with your PIM Savvy Certifying Acceptance Agent before responding to the IRS.

ITINs that haven’t been included on a U.S. federal tax return at least once in the last three consecutive tax years will expire on December 31st of the third consecutive tax year, and must be renewed before being used again on a U.S. federal tax return.