ITIN number IRS

[ddayson]

Just curious as to whether any Canadian members or I suppose anyone not from the United States has ever had to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS?

An ITIN is basically a type of SSN for those who don't qualify for a SSN - obviously anyone not from the United States. I notice on almost every CPA network application form it asks for your ITIN number - Azoogle, Ebay, CJ all ask for it and they as much as say they won't pay you until you have an ITIN.

Well I have been dealing with a useless accounting firm trying to obtain my ITIN since January. My application has been rejected twice now, despite my doing everything required. So until I get this number I'm basically screwed for joining most CPA networks and some affiliate networks.

Has anyone else experienced this at all?

[Chris Lockwood]

Why not just apply directly to the IRS?
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

[NowIstheTime]

Would you be able to give us any details on how you are applying? as an Individual? as a Firm?

Because really... you can apply for an ITIN yourself, and its free. Unless you have some very odd financial 'configuration', you should never need to pay to get one.

However if you feel you still need help in applying, the IRS has a list of authorized 'Acceptance Agents' who are allowed to collect a fee for this service. Here is the list for Canada: Acceptance Agents - Canada

Is your firm on this list?

[ddayson]

Originally Posted by Chris Lockwood

Why not just apply directly to the IRS?

Filling out a form yourself is quite complicated. There are many questions on there that I don't understand that I had an accounting firm do it. Plus you need to attach a US tax return which is why I went to the firm that I did. And that seems to be the step they are missing. Let's just say it's very complicated.

[ddayson]

Originally Posted by NowIstheTime

Would you be able to give us any details on how you are applying? as an Individual? as a Firm?

Because really... you can apply for an ITIN yourself, and its free. Unless you have some very odd financial 'configuration', you should never need to pay to get one.

However if you feel you still need help in applying, the IRS has a list of authorized 'Acceptance Agents' who are allowed to collect a fee for this service.
Is your firm on this list?

I am applying as an individual. I believe the reason listed with the IRS form is a "foreign national seeking a tax treaty benefit". Now I know I could do this myself, but frankly I don't understand much about it or why I even need one. But to date I have waited 10 months when I was originally quoted 12 weeks. The company I use is called BDO and they are a global company with offices here in Canada. The person looking after my case is an accepting agent. This whole situation is just plain complicated rather you do it alone or with the help of a "professional".