Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayger Indentification

U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

Form W-7 (Inst)

U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

OMB: 1545-0074

⚠️ Notice: This form may be outdated. More recent filings and information on OMB 1545-0074 can be found here:

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W-7

Application for IRS Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number

Form
(Rev. January 2010)

OMB No. 1545-0074

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

See instructions.
For use by individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

FOR IRS USE ONLY

An IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) is for federal tax purposes only.
Before you begin:
● Do not submit this form if you have, or are eligible to get, a U.S. social security number (SSN).
● Getting an ITIN does not change your immigration status or your right to work in the United States
and does not make you eligible for the earned income credit.

Reason you are submitting Form W-7. Read the instructions for the box you check. Caution: If you check box b,
c, d, e, f, or g, you must file a tax return with Form W-7 unless you meet one of the exceptions (see instructions).
a

Nonresident alien required to get ITIN to claim tax treaty benefit

Nonresident alien filing a U.S. tax return

U.S. resident alien (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return

Dependent of U.S. citizen/resident alien

Spouse of U.S. citizen/resident alien

Nonresident alien student, professor, or researcher filing a U.S. tax return or claiming an exception

g
h

Dependent/spouse of a nonresident alien holding a U.S. visa
Other (see instructions) ©
Additional information for a and f: Enter treaty country ©
1a First name
Middle name

Name

(see instructions)
Name at birth if
different

1b First name
2

Other
information

and treaty article number
Last name

Middle name

Last name

Street address, apartment number, or rural route number. If you have a P.O. box, see page 4.
City or town, state or province, and country. Include ZIP code or postal code where appropriate.

(if different from
above)
(see instructions)

Birth
information

Enter name and SSN/ITIN of U.S. citizen/resident alien (see instructions)

Applicant’s
mailing address
Foreign (nonU.S.) address

Street address, apartment number, or rural route number. Do not use a P.O. box number.
City or town, state or province, and country. Include ZIP code or postal code where appropriate.

Date of birth (month / day / year)
/

Country of birth

City and state or province (optional)

6a Country(ies) of citizenship

6b Foreign tax I.D. number (if any)

6d Identification document(s) submitted (see instructions)
USCIS documentation
Issued by:
No.:

Male
Female
6c Type of U.S. visa (if any), number, and expiration date

Passport

Driver’s license/State I.D.

Other
Exp. date:

Entry date in
United States

6e Have you previously received a U.S. temporary taxpayer identification number (TIN) or employer identification number (EIN)?
No/Do not know. Skip line 6f.
Yes. Complete line 6f. If more than one, list on a sheet and attach to this form (see instructions).
6f Enter: TIN or EIN ©
Name under which it was issued

and
©

6g Name of college/university or company (see instructions)
City and state

Sign
Here

Keep a copy for
your records.

Acceptance
Agent’s
Use ONLY

Length of stay

Under penalties of perjury, I (applicant/delegate/acceptance agent) declare that I have examined this application, including
accompanying documentation and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. I
authorize the IRS to disclose to my acceptance agent returns or return information necessary to resolve matters regarding the
assignment of my IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), including any previously assigned taxpayer identifying number.

Signature of applicant (if delegate, see instructions)

Date (month / day / year)

Name of delegate, if applicable (type or print)

Delegate’s relationship
to applicant

Signature

Date (month / day / year)

Name and title (type or print)

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see page 5.

Name of company

Cat. No. 10229L

Phone number
(

)

Parent
Court-appointed guardian
Power of Attorney
Phone (
)
Fax
(
)
EIN
Office Code
Form

W-7

(Rev. 1-2010)

Instructions for Form W-7

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

(Rev. January 2011)

(Use with the January 2010 revision of Form W-7.)
Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless
otherwise noted.

General Instructions
Purpose of Form
Use Form W-7 to apply for an IRS individual taxpayer
identification number (ITIN). An ITIN is a nine-digit number
issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals
who are required for U.S. tax purposes to have a U.S. taxpayer
identification number but who do not have and are not eligible
to get a social security number (SSN).
The ITIN is for federal tax purposes only. It does not entitle
you to social security benefits and does not change your
immigration status or your right to work in the United States.
Also, individuals filing tax returns using an ITIN are not eligible
for the earned income credit (EIC).
SSNs. Do not complete Form W-7 if you have an SSN or you
are eligible to get an SSN. You are eligible for an SSN if you
are a U.S. citizen or if you have been admitted by the United
States for permanent residence or U.S. employment.
To get an SSN, see Form SS-5, Application for a Social
Security Card. To get Form SS-5 or to find out if you are eligible
to get an SSN, go to www.socialsecurity.gov or contact a Social
Security Administration (SSA) office.
If you have an application for an SSN pending, do not file
Form W-7. Complete Form W-7 only if the SSA notifies you that
an SSN cannot be issued.
If the SSA will not issue you an SSN, you must get a letter of
denial and attach it to your Form W-7. This applies whether you
are attaching Form W-7 to your federal tax return or requesting
an ITIN under one of the exceptions. However, students,
professors, and researchers, see information for box “f” on
page 3.

Who Must Apply
Any individual who is not eligible to get an SSN but who must
furnish a taxpayer identification number must apply for an ITIN
on Form W-7. Examples include the following.
• A nonresident alien individual eligible to get the benefit of
reduced withholding under an income tax treaty. See Pub. 515,
Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities.
• A nonresident alien individual not eligible for an SSN who is
required to file a U.S. tax return or who is filing a U.S. tax return
only to claim a refund.
• A nonresident alien individual not eligible for an SSN who
elects to file a joint U.S. tax return with a spouse who is a U.S.
citizen or resident alien.
• A U.S. resident alien (based on the substantial presence test)
who files a U.S. tax return but who is not eligible for an SSN.
For information about the substantial presence test, see Pub.
519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.
• An alien spouse claimed as an exemption on a U.S. tax
return who is not eligible to get an SSN.
• An alien individual eligible to be claimed as a dependent on a
U.S. tax return but who is not eligible to get an SSN. To
determine if an alien individual is eligible to be claimed as a
dependent on a U.S. tax return, see Pub. 501, Exemptions,
Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, and Pub. 519.

• A nonresident alien student, professor, or researcher who is
required to file a U.S. tax return but who is not eligible for an
SSN, or who is claiming an exception to the tax return filing
requirement.
• A dependent/spouse of a nonresident alien holding a U.S.
visa who is not eligible for an SSN.

Deceased Taxpayers
When requesting an ITIN for a deceased taxpayer, the
deceased must meet all of the requirements established to get
an ITIN. Also, you must write “Deceased” across the top of the
Form W-7 and attach the additional documentation shown in
the following chart.
IF you are:

THEN you must attach:

The surviving spouse
filing an original or
amended joint return
with your deceased
spouse

• Form W-7,
• A U.S. individual income tax return,
• Documentation substantiating the identity

The court-appointed
executor or
administrator of the
deceased’s estate
filing an original tax
return on behalf of the
deceased

• Form W-7,
• A U.S. individual income tax return,
• Documentation substantiating the identity

Neither the surviving
spouse nor the
court-appointed
executor or
administrator of the
deceased’s estate

• Form W-7,
• A U.S. individual income tax return,
• Documentation substantiating the identity

and foreign status of the deceased, and
• A copy of the certificate of death.

and foreign status of the deceased*, and
• A court certificate showing your
appointment.

and foreign status of the deceased*,
• Form 1310 (if a refund is due), and
• A copy of the certificate of death.

* If the Form W-7 is for a deceased individual under 18 years of age,
one of the documents proving identity and/or foreign status must be a
birth certificate, unless a passport is submitted.

ITIN not needed for Forms 4868, 1040-ES, or 1040-ES (NR).
If you are filing an application for an extension of time to file
using Form 4868, or making an estimated tax payment using
Form 1040-ES or Form 1040-ES (NR), do not file Form W-7
with those forms. Enter “ITIN TO BE REQUESTED” wherever
your SSN or ITIN is requested. An ITIN will be issued only after
you file a tax return and meet all other requirements.

Additional Information
Publications. In addition to Pubs. 501, 515, and 519
mentioned earlier, see Pub. 1915, Understanding Your IRS
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), for more
information.
These publications are available free from the IRS. To order
the publications, call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) if you
are in the United States. If you have a foreign address, write to:
Internal Revenue Service
1201 N. Mitsubishi Motorway
Bloomington, IL 61705-6613
You also can get these publications at IRS.gov.

Cat. No. 54092G

Telephone help. If, after reading these instructions and our
free publications, you are not sure how to complete your
application or have additional questions, call 1-800-829-1040 if
you are in the United States. If you are outside the United
States, call 267-941-1000 (not a toll-free number) or contact our
overseas offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, London, or Paris.

reviewed by an IRS employee in this office and returned to you
immediately.
If you submit an original valid passport (or a notarized or
certified copy of a valid passport), you do not need to
submit any other documents. Otherwise, you must submit at
least two of the documents listed below. The documents must
be current*, verify your identity (that is, contain your name), and
support your claim of foreign status. If you submit copies of
documents that display information on both sides, copies of
both the front and back must be attached to the Form W-7. At
least one document must contain your photograph, but a
photograph is not required if documents are submitted for a
dependent under age 14 (under age 18 if a student). Do not
attach expired documents.

How To Apply
Your application must include all of the following.
1. Your completed Form W-7.
Note. If you submit a Form W-7, all later ITIN notices and
correspondence that you receive will be in English. If you prefer
to receive them in Spanish, please submit Form W-7(SP).
2. Your original, completed tax return(s) for which the ITIN
is needed. Attach Form W-7 to the front of your tax return. If
you are applying for more than one ITIN for the same tax return
(such as for a spouse or dependent(s)), attach all Forms W-7 to
the same tax return. After your Form W-7 has been processed,
the IRS will assign an ITIN to the return and process the return.

*Current documents are:

• Civil birth certificates — since civil birth certificates do not

contain an expiration date, they are considered current at all
times.
• Passports and national identification cards — these
documents will be considered current only if their expiration
date has not passed prior to the date the Form W-7 is
submitted.
• School and medical records — these documents are valid for
dependents under the age of 14 (under age 18 if a student) and
are considered current only if the date shown on the document
is not more than 1 year prior to the date the Form W-7 is
submitted.

There are exceptions to the requirement to include a
TIP U.S. tax return. If you claim one of these exceptions,
you must submit the documentation required instead of
a tax return. See the Exceptions Tables beginning on page 6.
3. The original documents, or certified or notarized copies of
documents, that substantiate the information provided on the
Form W-7. The supporting documentation must be consistent
with the applicant’s information provided on Form W-7. For
example, the name, date of birth, and country(ies) of citizenship
must be the same as on Form W-7, lines 1a, 4, and 6a.

Supporting Documentation

To avoid any loss of your documents, it is suggested
TIP you do not submit the original documentation.
You can submit copies of original documents if you do any of
the following.
• Have the copies certified by the issuing agency or official
custodian of the original record.
• Have the copies notarized by a U.S. notary public legally
authorized within his or her local jurisdiction to certify that the
document is a true copy of the original. To do this, the notary
must see the valid, unaltered, original document and verify that
the copy conforms to the original. Consular offices at U.S.
Embassies and Consulates overseas may not certify true
copies of foreign public documents and will refer applicants to
the foreign authority that issued the document.
• Have the copies notarized by a foreign notary. However,
foreign notaries are only acceptable as outlined by the Hague
Convention. The Hague Convention provides for the simplified
certification of public (including notarized) documents to be
used in countries that have joined the Convention. A
certification will be issued in the form of an “apostille,” which will
be attached to the copy of the document. If the document
originates in a country that is not party to the Convention,
applicants should have the document certified by the foreign
authority that issued it.
Note. The apostille must stay attached to the copy of the
document when it is sent to the IRS.

Can be used to
establish:
Foreign
Identity
status

Passport (the only stand-alone document)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
photo identification

Visa issued by U.S. Department of State

U.S. driver’s license

U.S. military identification card

Foreign driver’s license

Foreign military identification card

National identification card (must be current and
contain name, photograph, address, date of birth,
and expiration date)

U.S. state identification card

Foreign voter’s registration card

Civil birth certificate

Medical records (valid only for dependents under
age 14 (under age 18 if a student))

School records (valid only for dependents under
age 14 (under age 18 if a student))

* Can be used to establish foreign status only if they are foreign
documents.

Photocopies of documents must bear an original
authentic certified or notarized seal/stamp placed there
CAUTION
by the proper authority. Photocopies of previously
notarized or certified documents are not acceptable and will be
returned to the applicant.

Note. Documentation submitted for a dependent must include
a civil birth certificate (unless a passport is submitted).
Keep a copy of your application for your records.

Original documents you submit will be returned to you at
TIP the mailing address shown on your Form W-7. You do
not need to provide a return envelope. If your original
documents are not returned within 60 days, you can call the
IRS (see Telephone help above). Copies of documents will not
be returned. If you will need your documents for any purpose
within 60 days of submitting your ITIN application, you may
wish to apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
See Where To Apply on page 3. Your documents will be

When To Apply
Complete and attach Form W-7 when you file the tax return for
which the ITIN is needed. However, if you meet one of the
exceptions described later under h. Other, complete and submit
Form W-7 as soon as possible after you determine you are
covered by that exception.

-2-

Form W-7 (Rev. January 2011)

• A nonresident alien who is filing a U.S. tax return only to get

Allow 6 weeks for the IRS to notify you of your ITIN (8 to 10
weeks if you submit documents during peak processing periods
(January 15 through April 30) or if you are filing from overseas).
If you have not received your ITIN or correspondence at the
end of that time, you can call the IRS to find out the status of
your application (see Telephone help on page 2).

a refund.
c. U.S. resident alien (based on days present in the United
States) filing a U.S. tax return. A foreign individual living in
the United States who does not have permission to work from
the USCIS, and is thus ineligible for an SSN, may still be
required to file a U.S. tax return. These individuals must check
this box.
d. Dependent of a U.S. citizen/resident alien. This is an
individual who can be claimed as a dependent on a U.S. tax
return and is not eligible to get an SSN.
Note. If you live abroad and requested an Adoption Taxpayer
Identification Number (ATIN) for a foreign child you adopted or
who has been legally placed in your home pending adoption
and that request was denied, your dependent may be eligible
for an ITIN. When submitting your Form W-7, ensure you
include a copy of the legal documents evidencing your
relationship to the child.
e. Spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien. This category
includes:
• A resident or nonresident alien husband or wife who is not
filing a U.S. tax return (including a joint return) and who is not
eligible to get an SSN but who, as a spouse, is claimed as an
exemption, and
• A resident or nonresident alien electing to file a U.S. tax
return jointly with a spouse who is a U.S. citizen or resident
alien.
f. Nonresident alien student, professor, or researcher filing
a U.S. tax return or claiming an exception. This is an
individual who has not abandoned his or her residence in a
foreign country and who is a bona fide student, professor, or
researcher coming temporarily to the United States solely to
attend classes at a recognized institution of education, to teach,
or to perform research. If you check this box, you must
complete lines 6c and 6g and provide your passport with a valid
U.S. visa. If you are present in the United States on a
work-related visa (F-1, J-1, or M-1), but will not be employed
(that is, your presence in the United States is study-related),
you can choose to attach a letter from the Designated School
Official or Responsible Officer instead of applying with the SSA
for an SSN. The letter must clearly state that you will not be
securing employment while in the United States and your
presence here is solely study-related. This letter can be
submitted instead of a Social Security denial letter if you are
filing a tax return with this Form W-7 or claiming Exception 2. If
you check this box to claim an exception under the benefits of a
U.S. income tax treaty with a foreign country, also check box h.
On the dotted line next to box h, enter the appropriate
designation for Exception 2 (see page 4). Identify the exception
by its number, alpha subsection, and category under which you
are applying (for example, enter “Exception 2b-Scholarship
Income and claiming tax treaty benefits” or “Exception
2c-Scholarship Income”). Also, enter the name of the treaty
country and the treaty article number in the appropriate entry
spaces below box h (if applicable) and attach the documents
required under Exception 2.
g. Dependent/spouse of a nonresident alien holding a U.S.
visa. This is an individual who can be claimed as a dependent
or a spouse on a U.S. tax return, who is unable, or not eligible,
to get an SSN, and who has entered the United States with a
nonresident alien holding a U.S. visa.
h. Other. If the reason for your ITIN request is not described in
boxes a through g, check this box. Describe in detail your
reason for requesting an ITIN and attach supporting
documents.
Frequently, third parties (such as banks and other financial
institutions) that are subject to information reporting and
withholding requirements will request an ITIN from you to
enable them to file information returns required by law. If you
are requesting an ITIN for this reason, you may be able to claim
one of the exceptions described on page 4. Enter on the dotted
line next to box h the exception that applies to you. Identify the
exception by its number, alpha subsection (if applicable), and

Where To Apply
By mail. Mail Form W-7, your tax return (or other documents
required by an exception), and the documentation described in
item (3) and listed in the chart under How To Apply on page 2
to:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342

Do not use the mailing address in the instructions for
your tax return.

CAUTION

Private delivery services. If you use a private delivery service
to submit your Form W-7, use the following address:
Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional, Hwy 35
Austin, TX 78741-0000
In person. You can apply for an ITIN by bringing your
completed forms and documentation to any IRS Taxpayer
Assistance Center in the United States or IRS office abroad.
Information on our overseas offices can be found in Pub. 1915
or at IRS.gov.
Through acceptance agent. You also can apply through an
acceptance agent authorized by the IRS. An acceptance agent
can help you complete and file Form W-7. To get a list of
agents, visit IRS.gov and enter “acceptance agent program” in
the search box at the top of the page.

Specific Instructions

If you are completing this form for someone else, answer the
questions as they apply to that person.

Reason For Applying
You must check the box to indicate the reason you are
completing Form W-7. If more than one box applies to you,
check the box that best explains your reason for submitting
Form W-7.
Note. If you check box “a” or “f,” then box “h” may also be
checked. If applicable, you also must enter the treaty country
and treaty article. For more information on treaties, see
Pub. 901, U.S. Tax Treaties.
a. Nonresident alien required to get an ITIN to claim tax
treaty benefit. Certain nonresident aliens must get an ITIN to
claim a tax treaty benefit even if they do not have to file a U.S.
tax return. If you check this box to claim the benefits of a U.S.
income tax treaty with a foreign country, also check box h. On
the dotted line next to box h, enter the appropriate designation
for Exception 1 or 2, whichever applies (see Exception 1 and
Exception 2 under Exceptions, later). Identify the exception by
its number, alpha subsection, and category under which you
are applying (for example, enter “Exception 1d-Pension
Income” or “Exception 2d-Gambling Winnings”). Also, enter the
name of the treaty country and treaty article number in the
appropriate entry spaces below box h and attach the
documents required under whichever exception applies. For
more details on tax treaties, see Pub. 901.
b. Nonresident alien filing a U.S. tax return. This category
includes:
• A nonresident alien who must file a U.S. tax return to report
income effectively or not effectively connected with the conduct
of a trade or business in the United States, and
Form W-7 (Rev. January 2011)

-3-

Line Instructions

category under which you are applying (for example, enter
“Exception 1a-Partnership Interest” or “Exception 3-Mortgage
Interest”). Examples of completed Forms W-7 can be found in
Pub. 1915. You will not need to attach a tax return to your Form
W-7.
Exceptions. For more detailed information regarding the
exception(s) that may apply to you, see the Exceptions Tables
beginning on page 6.
Exception 1. Passive income — third party withholding
or tax treaty benefits. This exception may apply if you are the
recipient of partnership income, interest income, annuity
income, or other passive income that is subject to third party
withholding or covered by tax treaty benefits. See the
Exceptions Tables on page 6 for information on the
requirements for claiming Exception 1.
Information returns applicable to Exception 1 may include
the following.
• Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U.S. Source Income Subject
to Withholding.
• Form 1099-INT, Interest Income.
• Form 8805, Foreign Partner’s Information Statement of
Section 1446 Withholding Tax.
• Schedule K-1 (Form 1065), Partner’s Share of Income,
Deductions, Credits, etc.
Exception 2. Other income.

Enter N/A (not applicable) on all lines that do not apply to you.
Do not leave any lines blank.
Line 1a. Enter your legal name on line 1a as it appears on
your documents. This entry should reflect your name as it will
appear on a U.S. tax return.

CAUTION

Your ITIN will be established using this name. If you do
not use this name on the U.S. tax return, the processing
of the U.S. tax return may be delayed.

Line 1b. Enter your name as it appears on your birth
certificate if it is different from your entry on line 1a.
Line 2. Enter your complete mailing address on line 2. This is
the address the IRS will use to return your original documents
and send written notification of your ITIN.
Note. If the U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail to your
physical location, enter the U.S. Postal Service’s post office box
number for your mailing address. Contact your local U.S. Post
Office for more information. Do not use a post office box owned
and operated by a private firm or company.
Line 3. Enter your complete foreign (non-U.S.) address in the
country where you permanently or normally reside if it is
different from the address on line 2. If you no longer have a
permanent residence, due to your relocation to the United
States, enter only the foreign country where you last resided on
line 3. If you are claiming a benefit under an income tax treaty
with the United States, line 3 must show the treaty country.

Applicants receiving compensation for personal services
performed in the United States, or issued a U.S. visa
CAUTION
that is valid for employment, should first apply for an
SSN with the SSA. You are not eligible for an ITIN if you are
eligible to get an SSN.
This exception may apply if:
1. You are claiming the benefits of a U.S. income tax treaty
with a foreign country and you receive any of the following:
a. Wages, salary, compensation, and honoraria payments,
b. Scholarships, fellowships, and grants, or
c. Gambling income, or
2. You are receiving taxable scholarship, fellowship, or
grant income, but not claiming the benefits of an income tax
treaty.

Do not use a post office box or an “in care of” (c/o)
address instead of a street address on line 2 if you are
CAUTION
entering just a “country” name on line 3. If you do, your
application will be rejected.

Line 4. To be eligible for an ITIN, your birth country must be
recognized as a foreign country by the U.S. Department of
State.
Line 6a. Enter the country or countries (in the case of dual
citizenship) in which you are a citizen. Enter the complete
country name; do not abbreviate.
Line 6b. If your country of residence for tax purposes has
issued you a tax identification number, enter that number on
line 6b. For example, if you are a resident of Canada, enter
your Canadian Social Insurance Number.

See the Exceptions Tables on pages 6 through 8 for
information on the requirements for claiming Exception 2.
Information returns applicable to Exception 2 may include
Form 1042-S.
Exception 3. Mortgage interest — third party reporting.
This exception may apply if you have a home mortgage loan on
real property you own in the United States that is subject to
third party reporting of mortgage interest. See the Exceptions
Tables on page 8 for information on the requirements for
claiming Exception 3. Information returns applicable to
Exception 3 may include Form 1098, Mortgage Interest
Statement.
Exception 4. Dispositions by a foreign person of U.S.
real property interest — third party withholding. This
exception may apply if you are a party to a disposition of a U.S.
real property interest by a foreign person, which is generally
subject to withholding by the transferee or buyer (withholding
agent). See the Exceptions Tables on page 8 for information on
the requirements for claiming Exception 4. Information returns
applicable to Exception 4 may include the following.
• Form 8288, U.S. Withholding Tax Return for Dispositions by
Foreign Persons of U.S. Real Property Interests.
• Form 8288-A, Statement of Withholding on Dispositions by
Foreign Persons of U.S. Real Property Interests.
• Form 8288-B, Application for Withholding Certificate for
Dispositions by Foreign Persons of U.S. Real Property
Interests.
Exception 5. Treasury Decision (TD) 9363. This
exception may apply if you have an IRS reporting requirement
under TD 9363 and are submitting Form W-7 with Form 13350.
See the Exceptions Tables on page 8 for information on the
requirements for claiming Exception 5.

Line 6c. Enter only U.S. nonimmigrant visa information.
Include the USCIS classification, number of the U.S. visa, and
the expiration date in month/day/year format. For example, if
you have an F-1/F-2 visa with the number 123456 that has an
expiration date of December 31, 2012, enter “F-1/F-2,”
“123456,” and “12/31/2012” in the entry space. Individuals in
possession of an I-20/I-94 document(s) should attach a copy to
their Form W-7.
Note. If the visa has been issued under a “duration of stay”
label by USCIS, enter “D/S” as the expiration date.
Line 6d. Check the box indicating the type of document(s) you
are submitting to prove your foreign status and identity. You
must submit documents as explained in item (3) under How To
Apply on page 2. Enter the name of the state or country or other
issuer, the identification number (if any) appearing on the
document(s), the expiration date, and the date on which you
entered the United States. Dates must be entered in the month/
day/year format. Also, you may later be required to provide a
certified translation of foreign language documents.
Note. If you are submitting a passport, or a certified/notarized
copy of a passport, no other documentation is required, but
ensure any visa information shown on the passport is entered
on line 6c. However, if you are submitting more than one
document, enter only the information for the first document on
this line. Attach a separate sheet showing the required
information for the additional document(s). On the separate
sheet, be sure to write your name and “Form W-7” at the top.

-4-

Form W-7 (Rev. January 2011)

The “Entry date in United States” must contain the
complete date on which you entered the country (if
CAUTION
applicable). If you have not entered the United States,
enter “N/A” on this line.
Line 6e. If you ever received a temporary taxpayer
identification number (TIN) or an employer identification number
(EIN), check the “Yes” box and complete line 6f. If you never
had a temporary TIN or an EIN, or you do not know your
temporary TIN, check the “No/Do not know” box.
A temporary TIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to
persons who file a return or make a payment without providing
a TIN. You would have been issued this number if you filed a
U.S. tax return and did not have a social security number. This
temporary TIN will appear on any correspondence the IRS sent
you concerning that return.
An EIN is a nine-digit number (for example, 12-3456789)
assigned by the IRS to businesses, such as sole
proprietorships.
Line 6f. If you have both a temporary TIN and an EIN, attach a
separate sheet listing both. If you were issued more than one
temporary TIN, attach a separate sheet listing all the temporary
TINs you received. On the separate sheet, be sure to write your
name and “Form W-7” at the top.
Line 6g. If you checked reason f, you must enter the name of
the educational institution and the city and state in which it is
located. You also must enter your length of stay in the United
States.
If you are temporarily in the United States for business
purposes, you must enter the name of the company with whom
you are conducting your business and the city and state in
which it is located. You also must enter your length of stay in
the United States.

Adults, other than a parent or court-appointed guardian, can
sign the Form W-7 only if a Form 2848, Power of Attorney and
Declaration of Representative, has been signed by a parent or
court-appointed guardian authorizing the individual to sign for
the applicant.
Applicant is a dependent 18 years of age or older. If the
applicant is 18 years of age or over, the applicant can sign or
can appoint his or her parent, a court-appointed guardian, or
another individual to sign. The person signing, if other than the
applicant, must type or print his or her name in the space
provided, check the appropriate box that indicates his or her
relationship to the applicant, and attach a Form 2848.
Note. All Powers of Attorney (POAs) submitted to the IRS
must be in English. Any POAs received in a foreign language
will be considered invalid unless accompanied by a certified
English translation. The POA must clearly state the purpose for
which it is intended under the “tax matters” section. For more
information, go to IRS.gov.

Acceptance Agent’s Use ONLY
Enter the 8-digit office code that was issued to you by the ITIN
Program Office.
Paperwork Reduction Act Notice. We ask for the information
on this form to carry out the Internal Revenue laws of the United
States. You are required to give us the information. We need it
to ensure that you are complying with these laws and to allow
us to figure and collect the right amount of tax.
You are not required to provide the information requested on
a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless
the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or
records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as
long as their contents may become material in the
administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax
returns and return information are confidential, as required by
Internal Revenue Code section 6103.
The average time and expenses required to complete and
file this form will vary depending on individual circumstances.
For the estimated averages, see the instructions for your
income tax return.
If you have suggestions for making this form simpler, we
would be happy to hear from you. See the instructions for your
income tax return.

Signature
Who Can Sign the Form W-7
Generally, the applicant is required to sign Form W-7. The
following are exceptions to this requirement.
Applicant is a dependent under 18 years of age. If the
applicant is a dependent under 18 years of age, his or her
parent or court-appointed guardian can sign if the child cannot.
The parent or court-appointed guardian must type or print his or
her name in the space provided and check the appropriate box
that indicates his or her relationship to the applicant. If the
individual is signing as a court-appointed guardian, a copy of
the court-appointment papers showing the legal guardianship
must be attached.

Form W-7 (Rev. January 2011)

-5-

Exceptions Tables
Exception #1
Third Party Withholding on Passive Income
Note. Federal tax withholding and/or information reporting must take place within the current tax year.
Third Party
Withholding
on Passive
Income

Persons who are eligible to claim Exception 1 include:

Documentation you must submit if you are eligible to
claim Exception 1:

1(a) Individuals who are partners of a U.S. or foreign
partnership that invests in the United States and that owns
assets that generate income subject to IRS information
reporting and federal tax withholding requirements; or

1(a) A copy of the portion of the partnership or LLC
agreement displaying the partnership’s Employer
Identification Number and showing that you are a partner in
the partnership that is conducting business in the United
States.

1(b) Individuals who have opened an interest-bearing bank
deposit account that generates income that is effectively
connected with their U.S. trade or business and is subject to
IRS information reporting and/or federal tax withholding; or

1(b) A signed letter from the bank on its official letterhead,
displaying your name and stating that you have opened a
business account that is subject to IRS information reporting
and/or federal tax withholding on the interest generated
during the current tax year.

1(c) Individuals who are “resident aliens” for tax purposes
and have opened an interest-bearing bank deposit account
that generates income subject to IRS information reporting
and/or federal tax withholding; or

1(c) A signed letter from the bank on its official letterhead,
displaying your name and stating that you have opened an
individual deposit account that is subject to IRS information
reporting and/or federal tax withholding on the interest
generated during the current tax year.

1(d) Individuals who are receiving distributions during the
current tax year of income such as pensions, annuities,
royalties, dividends, etc., and are required to provide an ITIN
to the withholding agent (for example, an investment
company, insurance company, or financial institution, etc.)
for the purposes of tax withholding and reporting
requirements.

1(d) A signed letter or document from the withholding agent,
on official letterhead, showing your name and evidencing
that an ITIN is required to make distributions to you during
the current tax year that are subject to IRS information
reporting or federal tax withholding.

Exception #2
Wages, Salary, Compensation, and Honoraria Payments with Tax Treaty Benefits Claimed; or Scholarships,
Fellowships, and Grants with Tax Treaty Benefits Claimed; or Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants with No
Tax Treaty Benefits Claimed; or Gambling Winnings with Tax Treaty Benefits Claimed
Note. Federal tax withholding and/or information reporting must take place within the current tax year.
2(a). Wages,
Salary,
Compensation,
and Honoraria
Payments

Persons who are eligible to claim Exception 2(a)
include:

Claiming the
benefits of a tax
treaty

Individuals claiming the benefits of a tax treaty who:
• are either exempt or subject to a reduced rate of
withholding of tax on their wages, salary, compensation, and
honoraria payments,
and
• will be submitting Form 8233 to the payer of the income.

Documentation you must submit if you are eligible to
claim Exception 2(a):

• A letter of employment from the payer of the income, or
• A copy of the employment contract, or
• A letter requesting your presence for a speaking
engagement, etc.

along with:

• Evidence (information) on the Form W-7 that you are

entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty, and
• A copy of the completed withholding agent’s portion of
Form 8233 attached to the Form W-7, and a letter from the
Social Security Administration (SSA)*, stating that you are
ineligible to receive a social security number.
*If you are present in the United States and are receiving
honoraria payments, you do not have to get a letter of
denial from the SSA. A letter from the authorized school
official stating the purpose of the visit and that the individual
will be receiving payment in the form of an honoraria will
suffice.

-6-

Form W-7 (Rev. January 2011)

Exceptions Tables (continued)
Exception #2 (continued)
Wages, Salary, Compensation, and Honoraria Payments with Tax Treaty Benefits Claimed; or Scholarships,
Fellowships, and Grants with Tax Treaty Benefits Claimed; or Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants with No
Tax Treaty Benefits Claimed; or Gambling Winnings with Tax Treaty Benefits Claimed
Note. Federal tax withholding and/or information reporting must take place within the current tax year.
2(b).
Scholarships,
Fellowships,
and Grants

Persons who are eligible to claim Exception 2(b)
include:

Claiming the
benefits of a tax
treaty

Individuals claiming the benefits of a tax treaty who:
• are either exempt from or subject to a reduced rate of tax
on their income from scholarships, fellowships, or grants
(that is, foreign students, scholars, professors, researchers,
foreign visitors, or any other individual),
and

• will be submitting Form W-8BEN to the withholding agent.

Documentation you must submit if you are eligible to
claim Exception 2(b):

• A letter or official notification from the educational

• A copy of your passport showing the valid visa issued by
the U.S. Department of State, and
• Evidence (information) on the Form W-7 that you are
entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty, and
• A copy of the W-8BEN that was submitted to the
withholding agent, and
• A letter from the Social Security Administration* stating
that you are ineligible to receive a social security number
(SSN).

*If you are a student on an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa who will not
be working while studying in the United States, you will not
have to apply for an SSN. You will be permitted to provide a
letter from the Designated School Official or Responsible
Officer stating that you will not be securing employment in
the United States or receiving any type of income from
personal services.
2(c).
Scholarships,
Fellowships,
and Grants

Persons who are eligible to claim Exception 2(c)
include:

Documentation you must submit if you are eligible to
claim Exception 2(c):

Individuals receiving noncompensatory income from
scholarships, fellowships, or grants (that is, foreign students,
scholars, professors, researchers, or any other individual)
that is subject to IRS information reporting and/or
withholding requirements during the current year.

• A letter or official notification from the educational

Not claiming
benefits of a tax
treaty

institution (that is, college or university) awarding the
noncompensatory scholarship, fellowship, or grant; or
• A copy of a contract with a college, university, or
educational institution;
along with:
• A copy of your passport showing the valid visa issued by
the U.S. Department of State, and
• A letter from the Designated School Official (DSO) or
Responsible Officer (RO) stating that you are receiving
noncompensatory income from scholarships, fellowships, or
grants that is subject to IRS information reporting and/or
federal tax withholding requirements during the current year
(this letter must be attached to your Form W-7 or your
application for an ITIN will be denied), and
• A letter from the Social Security Administration* stating
that you are ineligible to receive a social security number
(SSN).
*If you are a student on an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa who will not
be working while studying in the United States, you will not
have to apply for an SSN. You will be permitted to provide a
letter from the DSO or RO stating that you will not be
securing employment in the United States or receiving any
type of income from personal services.

Form W-7 (Rev. January 2011)

-7-

Persons who are eligible to claim Exception 2(d)
include:

Documentation you must submit if you are eligible to
claim Exception 2(d):

Nonresident aliens visiting the United States who:
• have gambling winnings,
• are claiming the benefits of a tax treaty for an exempt or
reduced rate of federal tax withholding on that income, and
• will be utilizing the services of a gaming official as an IRS
ITIN Acceptance Agent.

Your W-7, which must be submitted through the services of
an appropriate gaming official serving as an IRS ITIN
Acceptance Agent to apply for an ITIN under Exception
2(d).
Note. If you do not secure the services of a gaming official,
you may still file Form 1040NR at the end of the tax year
with a Form W-7, attaching a copy of Form 1042-S
displaying the amount of tax withheld. Your 1040NR return
also should display the tax treaty article number and country
under which you are claiming the treaty benefits.

Exception #3
Third Party Reporting of Mortgage Interest
Note. Federal tax withholding and/or information reporting must take place within the current tax year.
Third Party Reporting of Mortgage
Interest

If you are eligible to claim Exception 3, you must submit documentation showing evidence of a home
mortgage loan. This would include a copy of the contract of sale or similar documentation showing
evidence of a home mortgage loan on real property located in the United States.

Exception #4
Third Party Withholding — Disposition by a Foreign Person of U.S. Real Property Interest
Note. Federal tax withholding and/or information reporting must take place within the current tax year.
Third Party Withholding — Disposition
by a Foreign Person of U.S. Real
Property Interest

A withholding obligation generally is imposed on a buyer or other transferee (withholding agent)
when the buyer acquires a U.S. real property interest from a foreign person. In some instances, the
foreign person may apply for a withholding certificate to reduce or eliminate withholding on the
disposition of real property.
If you are eligible to claim Exception 4, you must submit:
• A completed Form 8288-B, and
• A copy of the sale contract.
Note. For the seller of the property, copies of Forms 8288 and 8288-A submitted by the buyer
should be attached to Form W-7.
Exception #5
Filing Under Treasury Decision (TD) 9363 with Form 13350

Note. Federal tax withholding and/or information reporting must take place within the current tax year.
Reporting obligations under TD 9363

If you are eligible to claim Exception 5, you must submit Form W-7 and Form 13350 along with a
letter from your employer on corporate letterhead stating you have been designated as the person
responsible for ensuring compliance with IRS information reporting requirements.

-8-

Form W-7 (Rev. January 2011)

File Type	application/pdf
File Title	Instruction W-7 (Rev. January 2011)
Subject	Instructions for Form W-7, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Author	W:CAR:MP:FP
File Modified	2011-04-04
File Created	2011-01-10