Apply for an ITIN

An Individual Tax Identification Number is a government-issued ID number for U.S. residents who do not have or are not eligible for a Social Security number.

An ITIN allows you to file taxes, receive tax credits and refunds and apply for a driver’s license or bank account in some states, including Colorado. If you do not qualify for a Social Security number, an ITIN number will allow you to file your federal and state taxes.

Here’s what you can do with an ITIN:

• File your federal and state tax returns and claim qualifying dependents
• Receive your federal and state tax refund, including your TABOR refund
• Apply for a driver’s license
• Apply for a bank account or a mortgage, pending qualification

1. Visit Tax Help Colorado to complete current year tax return.
2. Request a W-7 or ITIN application be included.
3. Schedule an appointment to have your documents certified.
4. Mail completed application packet.

Tax Help Colorado staff and volunteers can help you file for an ITIN via Form W-7 with your federal tax return between January or April, or any other time you have a reporting requirement.

The IRS estimates that it takes between seven and 11 weeks to receive your ITIN once your application has been filed and processed.

There are 13 documents the IRS accepts. At least one document must contain your photograph, unless you are a dependent under the age of 14 (or under age 18 if a student). The IRS may require a certified translation of foreign language documents.

Acceptable documents:

• Passport*
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
• Visa issued by the U.S. Department of State
• U.S. driver’s license**
• U.S. military identification card**
• U.S. state identification card**
• Foreign driver’s license**
• Foreign military identification card
• National identification card – This must contain name, photograph, address, date of birth and expiration date to qualify
• Foreign voter registration card
• Civil birth certificate+
• Medical records+ – Valid only for dependents under the age of 6
• School records+ – Valid only for dependents under the age of 18, if a student

*Applicants claimed as a dependent who need to prove U.S. residency must provide additional original documentation if the passport doesn’t include a date of entry to the United States

**Only may be used to verify or establish identity

+ May be used to establish foreign status only if documents are foreign 

When you apply for an ITIN with a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), your supporting documents are verified at the time of application. As a result, you may not need to mail your original documents to the IRS. Find a Tax Help Colorado site with a CAA available to assist you with your FREE ITIN application.