The EIN and IRS forms · A term for founders abroad
What is Form W-7?
The IRS application for an ITIN, sent with identity documents and, usually, the tax return that needs the number.
Checked against the IRS's instructions and the states' own rules. Reviewed by Saais Patel, compliance reviewer.
Term 51 of 105 in the glossary, filed under F.IRS: individual taxpayer identification number
Form W-7, for a founder abroad.
Form W-7 applies for an ITIN, the personal US tax number for someone who can't get a Social Security Number. You state the reason you need one, attach proof of identity and foreign status, usually a passport, and in most cases the federal tax return that needs the number.
- The passport: the original, a copy certified by the passport office, or checked by a Certifying Acceptance Agent so you keep the original.
- Timing: the IRS says to allow seven weeks, or nine to eleven from abroad or in tax season.
- When not to file: forming a company and getting its EIN don't need one.
Sources: IRS: individual taxpayer identification number.
Read next · guide · 2 minDo you need an ITIN? Usually not, and here's when you doWhat founders ask next.
- Do I need Form W-7 to start a US LLC?
- No. The company's EIN comes without an ITIN. You'd file a W-7 only for a US tax filing of your own.
- Can I send a copy of my passport with Form W-7?
- Only a copy certified by the passport office, or one a Certifying Acceptance Agent has checked against the original.
03 · See also
- The EIN and IRS formsITINA personal US tax number for people who must file a US return but can't get an SSN; not needed to form a company or to get its EIN.Read the term
- The EIN and IRS formsSSNThe US personal tax and benefits number for citizens and people authorised to work; not something a founder abroad has or needs to own a US company.Read the term
- The EIN and IRS formsEINThe nine-digit tax number the IRS assigns to a business, and the first thing every US bank, payment processor and marketplace asks for.Read the term
- The EIN and IRS formsForm SS-4The IRS application for an Employer Identification Number, sent by fax or post, or made by phone, when the responsible party has no SSN or ITIN.Read the term
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