ITIN Application Services: IRS Acceptance Agent for Expats

PIK CONSULTING is a trusted, IRS-certified acceptance agency (as shown on the IRS site) specialising in ITIN applications. We securely handle the entire process for you, verify your identity, and submit your file directly to the IRS – all while you stay comfortably at home.

Who Needs an ITIN?

Obtaining an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is essential for navigating various aspects of financial and tax-related activities in the United States, from filing taxes and securing employment to opening bank accounts and participating in real estate transactions. Below is a list of reasons for obtaining an ITIN number.

 

Filing Taxes: Individuals who are required to file U.S. tax returns but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) need an ITIN to meet their tax obligations.

Employment

Some employers may require an ITIN for tax withholding purposes, especially for non-U.S. citizens or residents working in the United States.

Opening a Bank Account

Many financial institutions require an ITIN to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, or secure loans.

Securing Loans and Mortgages

Individuals seeking loans or mortgages in the U.S. may need an ITIN as part of the application process.

Scholarships and Grants

Non-U.S. citizens or residents applying for scholarships, grants, or financial aid in the United States often need an ITIN for identification purposes.

Real Estate Transactions

Individuals involved in real estate transactions, such as buying or selling property, may need an ITIN for tax reporting purposes.

Starting a Business

Non-resident aliens or foreign entities starting a business in the U.S. may need an ITIN to comply with tax regulations and obtain necessary permits or licenses.

Spousal and Dependent Tax Fillings

Non-working spouses or dependents of U.S. citizens or residents may require an ITIN to be claimed on the citizen or resident’s tax returns.

Retirement Accounts

Non-U.S. citizens or residents contributing to retirement accounts in the U.S., such as IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), may need an ITIN for tax reporting purposes.

Compliance with U.S Taxe Laws

Obtaining an ITIN ensures compliance with U.S. tax laws and helps individuals avoid penalties for failing to file tax returns or provide accurate taxpayer information.

Receiving a Tax Refund

Individuals who are eligible for tax refunds but do not have an SSN can only receive refunds by filing tax returns with an ITIN.

Participating in Tax Treaty Benefits

Some tax treaties between the U.S. and other countries allow for certain tax benefits, which may require individuals to have an ITIN for documentation.

Completing W-8BEN Forms

Non-U.S. persons receiving income from U.S. sources, such as dividends or rental income, may need an ITIN to complete IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting.

Process

Obtain or renew an ITIN without leaving home.

01

Start The Process: Click "Apply for ITIN" and securely send us the information we ask on the form and complete the payment.

02

Application Form: We check eligibility and complete the W7 form (needed by the IRS).

03

Passport Pickup: Prepare your passport for certified pickup by our courier.

04

Passport Certification: We certify the original passport.

05

Passport Delivery: You receive your original passport back, safely via courier.

06

ITIN Number: We submit your application to the IRS and you'll receive your ITIN number.

By following these steps and leveraging the expertise of our Certified Acceptance Agents, you can successfully obtain an ITIN to fulfill your tax and financial obligations in the United States.

Our ITIN Services in the United States

PIK CONSULTING offers several types of services related to the ITIN number.

Our ITIN Services
  • Eligibility Evaluation for receiving an ITIN: This includes analyzing the tax needs of the foreign taxpayer, in order to then declare their income in the United States.
  • Application and Acquisition of the ITIN: This applies to any foreign taxpayer who is not eligible for an SSN but needs to comply with U.S. tax obligations.
  • Assistance with ITIN Formalities: support in filling out and sending W-7 forms, as well as all the supporting documents required by the IRS.
  • Updating and Renewal Requests for the ITIN: in cases of expiry or inactivity, in order to avoid tax penalties.
  • Filing Foreign Income Tax Returns: support for taxpayers with an ITIN for income generated outside the United States.
  • Verify Eligibility;
  • Gather Necessary and Up-to-Date Documents (applicant’s identity), either originals or certified copies;
  • Fill out the Revised W-7 Form and attach a federal income tax return, except for cases covered by exceptions;
  • Submit the Application on behalf of our client, as an IRS-approved Acceptance Agent (AA). For taxpayers outside the U.S. territory, we act as a certified acceptance agent.

ITIN Number: Concerns about a specific American administrative procedure?

Moving to the United States or registering a foreign company there, are formalities that quickly become complex for Europeans. Not only do you need to know the local regulations, but there is also sometimes a language barrier. In addition, corporate law often changes with the state.

What is an ITIN number?

The acronym ITIN stands for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It is a nine-digit identification number used by the tax administration for tax collection within American territory. This code, starting with 9, is reserved for individuals without a Social Security Number (SSN). It is an administrative formality open to any foreigner, whether a tax resident or not.

Most people who settle in or interact with the United States are faced with common questions:

  • What is the ITIN used for?
  • What is the difference between TIN, ITIN, and EIN?
  • How do I know if I meet the eligibility criteria for ITIN registration?
  • Do I need to identify myself in person if I am a French tax resident?
  • What is the practical use of the ITIN in American territory?
  • Is the ITIN number dependent on each state?
  • Do I need an ITIN to apply for a company’s EIN in the United States?
  • Do I need to renew the process regularly?

PIK CONSULTING is here to answer all your questions of this type.

Don’t have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN) in the USA? Many procedures remain inaccessible to non-American citizens or green card holders.

Here are some examples:

  • Declaring income related to investments in American real estate or in a U.S. company (for example, the W-8BEN form for rental income or dividends);
  • Receiving payments in the USA such as fees or scholarships;
  • Selling real estate property on American territory;
  • Claiming benefits under the provisions of a tax treaty between the United States and another country;
  • Obtaining a tax refund;
  • In some banks, especially brick-and-mortar establishments, opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, or obtaining financing;
  • Investing in the United States, in securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) or in real estate.

PIK CONSULTING, a Certified Public Accountant with Expertise is U.S. Identification Administrative Procedures.

Our audit and accounting firm was established by French certified public accountants who have also been present in the United States for many years. We specialize in supporting foreigners who engage in professional activities or earn income on American soil. We assist both executives personally and their companies on an international level.

We simplify and secure all their administrative and tax procedures, complying with the regulations of each country. Additionally, PIK CONSULTING holds accreditation from the IRS as an acceptance agent, allowing us to handle formalities on behalf of our clients (representation).

Why Hire a CPA and U.S. Tax Expert?

With PIK CONSULTING, a foreign taxpayer without an SSN:
  • Is supported through all their tax procedures in the United States.
  • Benefits from an expert’s insight on U.S. regulations and international tax treaties.
  • Receives a comprehensive analysis of their specific situation before starting any formalities.
  • Centralizes all administrative and tax procedures, such as applying for an EIN for a business.
  • Is assured of optimal step-by-step organization, with the proper documents that are compliant for each scenario.

Other Areas of Expertise at PIK CONSULTING

The EIN (Employer Identification Number).

PIK CONSULTING handles your EIN filings. If you wish to register a foreign company in the USA or start one on American soil, this procedure is essential. This is also necessary for opening a bank account, obtaining credit, etc.

For a more secure process, especially if you are located abroad, you can rely on our experts. Our company holds the official authorization as an acceptance agency. This accreditation by the IRS allows us to represent you in carrying out procedures such as applying for an EIN.

Beyond the formalities for obtaining ITIN or EIN, PIK CONSULTING covers all the needs of businesses and individuals in accounting, tax, and legal matters. As an audit and accounting firm, and in partnership with Expand CPA, we answer all questions in these areas. Our multicultural and multilingual collaborators are experienced in supporting businesses and leaders internationally. No matter your nationality or place of residence, whether in the United States or Europe, we provide you with the best advice tailored to your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'ITIN' mean?
This American term is an acronym used in the tax context. It stands for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It is thus a means to identify a taxpayer. However, this number is only useful when the individual does not have a U.S. Social Security Number, or SSN.

Careful! If you come across a publication mentioning the TIN, it refers to a concept distinct from the ITIN. It stands for Taxpayer Identification Number. Note that in the European Union, all taxpayers have such a registration, called the NIF. Thus, TIN is the American version of the NIF in Europe.

The IRS publication on the web page dedicated to TIN specifies the different categories. On one hand, the TIN issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is known as the SSN. On the other hand, the TIN issued by the IRS to identify individuals includes several subcategories:

  • EIN (employer);
  • ITIN (individual without an SSN);
  • ATIN (for adoptions);
  • PTIN (paid tax return preparer).
This registration for U.S. taxpayers without an SSN requires an application. Therefore, you cannot obtain it without completing the required formalities. These involve filling out form W-7 and providing the necessary supporting documents required by the IRS.

The tax identification number in the United States is the TIN. It is the equivalent of the NIF in Europe. Most American taxpayers have a Social Security Number, known as the SSN, which serves as their TIN. If not, they must apply for an ITIN using form W-7. This is another category of TIN. Finally, for a business, the tax identification number is the EIN, obtained from the IRS through form SS-4.

IRS stands for Internal Revenue Service. It is the agency of the federal government responsible for:

  • collecting taxes (income, corporate, estate) and various other fees;
  • ensuring taxpayer compliance with tax regulations related to the federal budget.
Who must complete the form W-9 "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification?"
This form is used to confirm the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for a U.S. taxpayer, whether a business or an individual. It is useful for anyone required to file an information return with the IRS. Here are some examples:
  • income reporting;
  • real estate transactions;
  • debt cancellation.

Indeed, this 9-digit code does have an expiration date. The taxpayer must submit a renewal request using the same form as the initial application: the W-7. This applies to both ITINs that are nearing expiration and those that have already expired.

Yes. The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued to individuals who do not have a Social Security Number, or SSN. This includes certain residents, non-resident aliens, as well as their spouses and dependents. You should contact an IRS-authorized agent like PIK CONSULTING to complete your application. In fact, non-residents cannot fill out form W-7 online.
The application for an ITIN is free at the administrative level. However, if you use an acceptance agent like PIK CONSULTING, the cost of this service corresponds to the representation fees for assisting you with the process. You gain both peace of mind and time, especially if you are located abroad.
This W-7 form, revised in August 2019 is available on the IRS website. It is mandatory for any ITIN application in the United States and includes:
  • the choice between a new application or renewal;
  • the reason for the application, including the person’s status (resident, non-resident, spouse, etc.);
  • contact details (name, address, date of birth, passport number);
  • any previously obtained ITIN;
  • name of the university or company, city, and state.

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