processing ITIN

[sciencenerd 56]

I'm just wondering if anyone has been through the filing for an ITIN before. We filed our taxes and a W-7 for my wife to get an ITIN yesterday. It says the processing time for ITIN is 8-10 weeks and then for the tax return is another 6 weeks, so we're looking at almost 4 months before we get our tax return. Are these timelines pretty accurate in your experience? Does it really take that long for them to just give you a number? We could really use the money and are hoping that the estimates are more worst case scenario instead of typical.

[john & jean 37]

I'm just wondering if anyone has been through the filing for an ITIN before. We filed our taxes and a W-7 for my wife to get an ITIN yesterday. It says the processing time for ITIN is 8-10 weeks and then for the tax return is another 6 weeks, so we're looking at almost 4 months before we get our tax return. Are these timelines pretty accurate in your experience? Does it really take that long for them to just give you a number? We could really use the money and are hoping that the estimates are more worst case scenario instead of typical.

Ours processed much sooner than stated, surprisingly.........

[rin and john 71]

We filed for an ITIN in June 2007 for TY 2006. Got our return in October, so ours was pretty much on their timeline.

[BrahmaBull 0]

Anyone know if they will put the ITIN on all forms that I need it on?

For example I am filing with my w-7 a 1040 and a 2555EZ. Both need ITINs.

Maybe I should include a note asking them to apply the ITIN to both?

Do I leave the SSN field blank on these forms or write "applied for" ?

[I'm Gone 60]

You can contact the IRS ITIN office by calling 1-800-908-9982.

[sciencenerd 56]

just to let folks know - we received the ITIN already as well as our tax return! the ITIN took about 2 weeks, the tax return another week. this may have been because we filed on 1/30, so likely before the big tax rush. however, we are relieved because we needed the tax return money!

for the question about the other forms - just put ITIN applied for (or we put "ITIN pend." b/c it was an electronic form that didn't have space for more than that). they do process them with the ITIN after it is assigned - that's why you have to send it all together instead of sending your 1040 to the normal address (or e-filing).

[I'm Gone 60]

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1915.pdf

What steps do I have to take when I have an ITIN and become eligible for a Social Security Number?

Make proper application for a SSN and upon receipt advise the IRS in writing of your new SSN. The new SSN will become the primary number and must be used for all future filing purposes. The IRS will void the ITIN. All prior tax information under the ITIN will be associated with the new SSN.